A speckled white bowl heaped with orange cheddar-coated popcorn flecked with green jalapeño powder, on a cream tablecloth by a window with a terracotta napkin and a fresh jalapeño behind it

Jalapeño Cheddar Popcorn

Stovetop popcorn tossed with butter, cheddar cheese powder and jalapeño powder, plus how hot it gets, how to pop it without scorching, ways to change it up, and how to store it.

Spicy Mexican Rice

Spicy Mexican Rice

A simple staple for Mexican meals…

Whether it’s tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas, you’re going to want a side of spicy Mexican rice to complete that Mexican meal. It’s a simple recipe – and on its own rather plain. But when you pair it with beans and your Mexican dish of choice, the tomato sauce tang and simmering heat (thank you cayenne) bring a nice bit of extra flavor to your meal.

That’s not to say you can’t dress this spicy Mexican rice recipe up a bit. This is the kind of side, like most rice sides, that expand their role on the plate with just a little culinary experimentation. For instance, mix in your bean of choice, fresh chopped tomatoes, and/or cooked peas (just to name a few options) to make things more memorable. With enough added extras, spicy Mexican rice can turn into a delicious light lunch on its own too.

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Cajun ranch dipping sauce

Cajun Ranch Dipping Sauce

A simple Southern dipper…

Like mayonnaise or sour cream, ranch dressing is a perfect base for a mix of fiery spices. It makes it so simple to pull together something with a little Cajun flair. This Cajun ranch dipping sauce has three ingredients only, but the flavor is a whole heck of a lot more than what you’d expect. Cajun seasoning has a wide world of spices in it that give this dipping sauce its Southern charm.

We add additional fieriness to this simple recipe via a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can opt for it or drop it completely if you want a milder overall flavor. We like it even hotter than a pinch (think 1/4 teaspoon) if you’re one for extra-spicy in everything. Use this Cajun ranch dipping sauce with fried foods (it’s so yum with fried pickles – try it with this recipe). It’s also delicious with a simple vegetable platter – it beats the heck out of a plain ranch salad dressing dip with crudites.

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Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

A Cajun seasoning with no salt in it at all. Chipotle powder takes the salt’s place, adding smoke and extra heat, with white pepper filling out the traditional profile. Makes about six tablespoons in five minutes.

Curried Potato Soup

Curried Potato Soup

Potato, leek and garlic blended smooth with curry powder and a half teaspoon of cayenne. Creamy and mild until the warmth catches up. A light supper with bread.

A bowl of orange chipotle sauce with a basting brush, halved oranges, chipotle powder and glazed pork ribs

Orange Chipotle Sauce

Orange juice and marmalade against chipotle powder, blended in ten minutes with nothing cooked. Sweet and tangy up front, smoky underneath, and mild enough that the cayenne is there if you want it.

Ancho cream sauce

Ancho Cream Sauce

Perfect for Mexican night…

Want something different than the typical salsa or tomato-based chili sauce for Mexican night? Something that’s mild enough that the whole family can enjoy, yet still has plenty of flavor? Meet the ancho cream sauce. It’s super-mild (ancho peppers are typically half the heat of even the mildest jalapeños), yet anchos are packed with flavor. They’re earthy, slightly smoky, and even a little sweet – a perfect foil to rich cream flavor.

Use this sauce with tortilla-based Mexican meals – enchiladas, burritos, or quesadillas are all great options.

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Cajun dipping sauce

Kickin’ Cajun Dipping Sauce

Simple Southern charm…

Want a simple dipping sauce that still charms the pants off your guests? This kickin’ Cajun dipping sauce is all that. It takes only five minutes to pull together, but it’s chock full of Southern charm and a decent kick to boot.

There are multiple heat sources here. Cajun seasoning typically contains a bit of chili pepper powder (typically cayenne pepper) and the Louisiana hot sauce adds some additional pop (and a subtle tang). We like to top it off with additional cayenne for extra boom, too. This sauce is excellent for all sorts of things: pita, veggies, and grilled chicken fingers to name a few.

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Spicy Chana Masala

Spicy Chana Masala

A hotter take on the classic Indian chickpea curry. Chickpeas simmer in a cooked-down tomato and onion masala, with a fresh minced jalapeño stirred in at the end so it stays green and sharp.

jalapeño ketchup

Jalapeño Ketchup

 Fresh jalapeños for a garden grassy bite…

Have a few extra jalapeño peppers around or just looking for a spicy alternative to everyday ketchup? Fuel your favorite condiment with a fresh, grassy bite. Jalapeño ketchup tastes great on grilled burgers and hot dogs (if you are one of “those” ketchup-on-hot-dog people. PS: We are too!) And make sure to leave a little to side as this makes one heck of a fry dipper.

If you prefer something smokier, check out our chipotle ketchup recipe. Or if you want something a little more exotic, give this delicious curry ketchup recipe a whirl. 

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