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spicy

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How to make homemade chili seasoning

Skip the store-bought packets and make your own chili seasoning from scratch with spices you already have in your pantry. There’s a little game in my kitchen I like to play called, “How many tiny bottles of spices can I squeeze onto the shelf.” I have dried spices for all sorts of meals that I made once, needed a specific spice blend, and never made again. Thus, the spice just sits there with others that suffered the same fate, taking up valuable space in my tiny kitchen. Chili powder isn’t one of those. It’s so versatile, I’m actually happy to lend my leftover mix some shelf space. It’s great on everything from chili to tacos to roasted veggies. Put it on potatoes or even on top of mac and cheese or corn on the cob. What can’t you put chili powder on? Here is a spice blend that I want to…

Survey reveals top 5 most popular hot sauces in the US

Is there a single food out there that isn’t made infinitely more delicious by adding hot sauce? You probably put it on everything from enchiladas to egg rolls. But even though you love all hot sauces, you probably pick a favorite and stick with it whenever possible. In honor of National Hot Sauce Day on January 22, Instacart compiled its data to bring us a list of the most popular hot sauces in America, according to Food & Wine. Did your favorite make the cut? 1. Cholulah Cholulah ranks as America’s favorite hot sauce, and it’s no surprise. The level of heat along with a delicious blend of spices complements most foods without overwhelming them — a true sign of a good hot sauce. The sauce was named for the Mexican city of Cholula, Puebla (founded somewhere between 800 and 200 B.C.E.), and wasn’t available in the United States until…

Spicy cauliflower, arugula salad

I love when a restaurant dish inspires me to make something similar at home. It’s not that making it at home stops me from going back to the restaurant — the exact opposite, actually! I find that it keeps the menu item top of mind, so I actually can’t wait to return! This dish was a restaurant-inspired salad. Roasted cauliflower and raisins might not seem like they’d be the best of friends, but the combo is really quite nice, especially when the cauliflower is roasted with the spicy heat of Calabrian chili peppers. Add some arugula, Parmesan cheese, and lemon, and you have a unique flavor explosion that is creative, healthy, fresh and crisp. Spicy Cauliflower, Arugula Salad Ingredients Serves 4 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets 2-3 spicy chili peppers, finely chopped + 3 tbsp of hot pepper oil (more if you love heat) 4-5 large handfuls of arugula 2 lemons,…

Copycat Bonefish Grill bang bang shrimp sandwich

I was only introduced to Bonefish Grill Bang Bang shrimp last summer in South Carolina. Sure, the casual restaurant chain can be found at locations all over the country, but there was something about the crispy, fried shrimp and the creamy, spicy sauce that felt perfectly suited for the Deep South. During the winters, I definitely long for the flavors associated with summer, so as the snow continues to fall in the Northeast, my craving for this crunchy shrimp snack popped up, and I had to have it. With no location nearby, I went to work recreating this favorite Bonefish dish. But no matter where or when you eat it, Bang Bang Shrimp is an incredible treat. Serve it as a movie snack, as an appetizer, or all by itself. I threw mine on a delicious, fresh sandwich roll with crispy lettuce and carrot sticks. If you’re wondering how it compares — this Bang Bang…

Easy, vegetarian Mexican quinoa bowl

This dish is chockfull of so many delicious flavors. From its black beans and jalapeños to the green chilis and cumin, it’s a fun Mexican dish with a twist. It has a hint of heat and a bit of tanginess from the lime, too. It’s a great healthy alternative to taco salad. The quinoa makes this dish so filling, and the cumin and beans makes it so satisfying, you’ll never even notice meat is missing. You could even serve this mix on a bed of fresh greens for extra nutrition. vegetarian Mexican quinoa bowl Serves: about 6 Ingredients 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinse and drained 1 cup corn kernels, canned or frozen 1/3 cup quinoa, rinsed 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped 1 can (4.5 oz), diced green chilis 1 small jalapeño, minced 2 tsp cumin 1 tsp salt + a pinch 1/4 tsp pepper 1 lime, quartered…

Watermelon salad perfect for summer

It’s unlikely that you’ll make it through the next five months without finishing a meal with watermelon juice running down your arm. Nothing says ‘warm weather is here’ quite like a thick slice of this quintessential summer fruit. You’re likely very familiar with watermelons sliced or in slushies, but chances are you’ve never had one in a salad. While it won’t go running down your sleeve, this sweet and savory, salty and spicy salad will definitely make it on your menu rotation this summer. It would also be a great dish to take to any summer get together. Watermelon is about 92 percent water and six percent sugars, but you benefit so much more than those figures let on. Adding more melon to your diet means a lots of vitamin C and A and betacarotene. Watermelons are second only to tomatoes for lycopene content — an antioxidant effective in preventing some types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The thick-rinded fruit is also low…

Cinco de Mayo must-have recipes

The impact Mexican culture has had on the American culinary experience is undeniable.  Tacos, burritos, salsa, tortillas — they’re become mainstays in our diets. With millennials leading the way, Americans are now more adventurous in their food selections than ever before. According to market research organization Mintel, 25 percent of those who have developed a taste for an ethnic cuisine, have done so because they live in diverse neighborhoods where the flavors are readily available. Other reasons include inspiration from cookbooks, TV cooking shows and discovering flavors when traveling. The report also stated that Americans are more comfortable trying new recipes at home than they would be with a chef preparing them in a kitchen. To celebrate shared culture, country and food with our southern neighbors, here are four simple recipes to help keep your Cinco de Mayo fiesta a tasty, homegrown affair. FRESH SALSA Ingredients 14 ounce can stewed tomatoes (lightly drained) 1 small white…

Cayenne pepper brings heat to fresh beet juice blend

Short winter days have me longing for the energy that seems to come naturally during the summer months. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, consider juicing with this bright, spicy blend. Fresh juice packs the nutrients you’ll need to stay motivated during the gloomy, cold days. This one has anti-inflammatory properties from the beets, vitamin C from the citrus, immunity boosting carrots, and ginger and cayenne to help winter sinuses and sore throats. Be prepared for the lingering heat of the cayenne. It will definitely put the pep back in your step. Additionally, turmeric has been having a moment. More studies are needed to confirm, but this bright-hued spice has been said to curb heartburn, alleviate joint pain, delay diabetes, fight cancer, ward off heart attacks and even help protect the brain against Alzheimer’s. Phew! Even if one of those scientifically test true, you’re on your way to a healthier…