Matt Bray 
Cayenne pepper typically rates between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville heat units (and sometimes hotter). To put that into perspective, jalapeño peppers range from 2,500 and 8,000 SHU. In short, a little cayenne pepper can go a long way. It also means that it is easy to use …
Here’s a simple way to bring your pasta to a real spicy boil. Sriracha spaghetti sauce (a.k.a. Sriracha marinara) is a simple pasta sauce to make, but the flavor impact is plentiful. There’s that tomato tang, a garlicky undertone, and a very eatable level of …
We like to think of these chipotle mashed sweet potatoes as a “shock and awe” side for a memorable meal. They are very unassuming — looking like your typical sweet potato mash. But underneath is a smoky heat that only chipotle pepper in adobo sauce …
Fried jalapeño slices are one of those appetizers that spicy food lovers drool over. You have that decadent fried crunch mixed with the hot pepper heat. Try a little ranch dressing dip on the side to add a little creamy tang to the plate, too. It’s …
Any time you mix savory bacon with jalapeño peppers and lots of cheese…well that’s a pure win in our book. Our bacony jalapeño popper dip has all the flavors you love in spreadable form. And it’s without the fuss of having to stuff those jalapeños …
When you think banana bread, you likely think of bananas (of course), cinnamon, vanilla, and the like. Hot peppers probably don’t cross your mind. But this spicy banana bread recipe is strong proof that they should. This is a breakfast treat (or tasty dessert) that …
There are many ways to spice up peanut sauce, though a hoisin peanut sauce may be one of the most flavorful. This mix of traditional peanut sauce and hoisin sauce delivers a rich sweet earthiness. It’s a big enough flavor to work with both chicken …
Roasted red bell peppers and almonds are the base of this spicy romesco sauce. This delicious Catalonian recipe is smooth, nutty, and earthy with a slightly smoky spiciness. Cayenne pepper and smoked paprika bring the spiciness (and smokiness) here. Altogether, it turns meals into something …
Lime juice is the surprise star of this spicy Mexican tomato soup. It provides a citrusy undertone that works well with the spiciness of red jalapeño pepper and earthy tang of the tomatoes. This is a real tomato “feel-good” soup experience with a twist. Want more …
While Tabasco hot sauce is a supermarket staple, there are times when you need an alternative. What other hot sauces can you use that have a similar vinegary tang? What’s a good Tabasco substitute in a pinch for cooking if you don’t have a bottle …