Ancho Aioli

Ancho Aioli

Mild smoky tang…

If you’re seeking an aioli recipe that’s light on the heat but delivers on the smoke, opting for ancho peppers is he way to go. As they’re dried poblanos, the heat is very mild, but it’s the smoky, earthy flavor that’s the real star. Paired with tangy mayonnaise and lime juice adds a tropical flair to the spread. It’s terrific with grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or even just as a French fry dip. 

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Spicy Caesar Cocktail

Spicy Caesar Cocktail

The “extra oomph” Canadian Bloody Mary alternative…

If you’re looking to ramp up your Bloody Mary love, it’s time to meet and greet the Caesar cocktail. It’s the Canadian cousin to the famous brunch drink, and it packs a little extra something. Clamato Picante (see on Amazon) delivers not only the unique clam flavor you expect, but also a punch of jalapeño puree. Top that with a few dashes of Tabasco, and this is one cocktail that’s certain to wake you up. 

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spicy cajun cream sauce

Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Delicious…from pasta sauce to dipping sauce. Spicy Cajun cream sauce is not only tasty, it’s also very versatile. It’s obviously a good choice for adding a touch of spice to basic pasta. But try it, too, topping some chicken cutlets or as a dipping sauce side for …

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Homemade Creole seasoning

Homemade Creole Seasoning

Put that spice rack to work…

Just like Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning is relatively easy to make at home. All it takes is a few more ingredients beyond its Cajun cousin. This recipe is overall light on salt compared to commercial options out there, so play with the amount you use to get the flavor you’re looking for in your dish. The heat is provided by cayenne pepper powder with a little coming from the sweet paprika base. If you want to temper down the spice, cut a tablespoon of cayenne and replace it with paprika.

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homemade adobo seasoning

Homemade Adobo Seasoning

From guacamole seasoning to steak rub…

Mexican adobo seasoning may sound exotic, but its ingredients are all common sights on the spice rack. When combined, they make a flavorful mix that’s just as perfect as a guacamole seasoning as it is a barbecue steak rub. Try it, too, as a spice for bean sides, a taco meat seasoning, or as a seasoning for a Mexican inspired salad.  It’s very versatile. The chili heat in this recipe is provided by the paprika and chipotle powder.

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Homemade Jerk Seasoning

Homemade Jerk Seasoning

A savory seasoning with heat.

When you think jerk seasoning, you think Jamaican foods, jerk chicken, shrimp, and steaks. And it’s true – this homemade jerk seasoning is perfect with all of these things. But it’s a seasoning that’s actually a whole lot more versatile. Try sprinkling it on pizza and sandwiches for a little extra savory oomph. Mix it with mayonnaise to make a phenomenal dipping sauce. Sprinkle it on sweet potato fries or your morning scrambled eggs. You’ll find lots of uses in your kitchen. The heat source: cayenne pepper powder.

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Poblano Corn Chowder

Poblano Corn Chowder

Creamy and mild.

This is about as family friendly as a chili pepper-based soup can get. The mild simmering heat of poblano peppers adds just a hint of spice to this creamy corn chowder. It’s delicious and quite filling too. If you want a little more heat, try swapping out the poblanos for jalapeño peppers. Serve with crackers and shredded white cheddar (as an optional topping.)

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Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Sweet Maple Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Sweet maple syrup meet smoky chipotle…

Talk about two rich flavors that are at the opposite ends of the taste spectrum. Yet together, they are magic. On one side you have rich, sweet maple syrup, on the other smoky, spicy chipotle pepper. Paired in a barbecue sauce, you have a taste bud explosion for your next cookout. Try it on steak, pork, or chicken. It’s great, too, as a barbecue dipping sauce for your favorite fried foods. If there’s too much heat here, lessen the amount of chipotle used to two.

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Chipotle Dry Rub

Smoky Sweet Chipotle Dry Rub

Rich and intense flavor for your BBQ meats.

Chipotle powder is one of those spices that once you try it, it’s hard not to crave it. That smoky heat is special, and it’s also a ton of fun to experiment with, especially with barbecue. This chipotle dry rub recipe layers that flavorful smokiness with the earthy sweetness of brown sugar and the pungency of garlic and onion powders. Most any well-stocked kitchen can pull this together out of the spice rack, and it’s simply delicious on grilled steaks, pork, chicken, and seafood.

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Spaghetti Chipotle

Creamy Spaghetti Chipotle With Sausage

Rich, smoky, and savory.

If we had three words, that’s how we’d describe this creamy spaghetti chipotle recipe. The smoke and spice of the chipotle chili is matched well with the savoriness of the hot sausage and bacon. It’s an easy meal to whip up that’s big on flavor. If there’s too much heat, lower the amount of chipotle or choose regular sausage instead of hot. 

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