Matt Bray, Author at PepperScale

Spicy Chicken Nachos

A spicy fan snacking favorite… Whether it’s for a big game day, an outdoor party, or a fiesta of any kind, spicy chicken nachos are always a hit. This is one appetizer that doesn’t leave you wanting more, both tasty and filling. You bet it’ll …

Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken

by Matt Bray

Caribbean cuisine and hot peppers go hand-in-hand, and that’s especially true with anything Jamaican and scotch bonnet peppers. It’s a pairing made in heaven. Think of this spicy Jamaican curry chicken recipe as tropical comfort food. It has a rich flavor, a spicy sweetness, and enough chicken …

Why Does Your Nose Run When You Eat Spicy Food?

by Matt Bray

Chili peppers and other spicy foods sure can excite your taste buds, but that’s not all they can do to your body. Your system can have all sorts of side effects to spicy food – everything from chili burn on the skin to sudden sweats. But the most surprising for many is the runny nose. Why is that? Why does your nose run when you eat spicy food like jalapeño peppers?

Basic Jalapeño Martini

by Matt Bray

Why spice up a classic?

Why not! Think of this basic jalapeño martini recipe as a twist on a basic dirty martini. Instead of olive juice from the jar you substitute the pickled jalapeño juice that you can get from any jar of pickled jalapeños. These are available at nearly every grocery store. Add more or less to control the amount of tang and spice you get in the cocktail.

This is a terrific cocktail to add a twist to a martini party. It tastes great, takes few additional ingredients, and it’s super easy to make.

Moruga Scorpion Vs. Ghost Pepper: PepperScale Showdown

by Matt Bray

Now here are two hot peppers that will send your taste buds screaming into a new zip code. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion vs. ghost pepper. Which one is hottest? Can you buy them fresh, or are there at least spicy products out there that use these titans of the pepper scale?

Let’s stack these chili peppers side-by-side and see what we’ve got in a PepperScale Showdown. One thing is for sure, neither of these chilies are for the timid.

Spicy Black Bean Mushroom Chili

by Matt Bray

Looking for a vegetarian chili substitute to all the meat chilies out there? Spicy black bean mushroom chili is one of our all-time slow cooker favorites. The mushrooms are a perfect meat alternative, giving the chili just enough thickness. Plus, they soak in those spices …

Asian Beef Stew

by Matt Bray

Looking for a spicy recipe that has that “nestle up at home” good feeling? This slow cooker Asian beef stew certainly does the trick. It hits the spot as comfort food, perfect for the chillier months, but no slouch for the summer either. The warmth fits …

Tabasco Chipotle Sauce Review: Smokin’!

by Matt Bray

No hot sauce brand comes close to Tabasco in terms of availability. Tabasco is everywhere – from supermarkets to major chain restaurants. But my favorite of the bunch isn’t the original (though that’s seriously tasty too). It’s Tabasco Chipotle sauce.

That smoky tang…it’s just right. If you like the earthy taste of barbecue and other smoked dishes, then you’ll want a bottle of this in your cupboard. Soon you may find that you’re putting a few drops of it in nearly everything. No kidding – it’s that good.

Does Spicy Food Cause Acne?

by Matt Bray

If you’re prone to acne, you may have noticed flair-ups after eating spicy foods like hot peppers. Are they linked? Does spicy food cause acne? Or is this simply a case of ill-timed coincidence?

Truth be told, the food itself typically doesn’t cause acne, but the side effects of eating spicy foods like hot peppers certainly increase the chances of a breakout occurring. That’s especially true if you’re not used to eating spicy foods.

What’s It Like Taking Cayenne Pepper Pills?

by Matt Bray

Chili peppers are well-known for how healthy they are. It’s all about that magic compound capsaicin and what it can do, from natural pain relief to boosting your metabolism and a whole lot more. Many people, in fact, take cayenne pepper pills to get the benefit of capsaicin without having to eat chilies in their meals, and there are many positive reviews on the results reported on sites like Amazon.

But what’s it like taking these pills or cayenne pepper capsules? Is there a taste? A sense of heat? A quick boost of energy? Other side effects? Well, each person is different, but I’ll lay out what it’s been like for me. From there, you can decide whether it’s something you want to give a try. Out the gate, I’ll say it’s definitely been overall positive.