One of the greatest benefits of a chile pepper is that they are so versatile.  You can use them in a sauce today and a sandwich tomorrow.  You can eat them raw, cooked, roasted, fresh or dried.  With the large range of different uses, the pepper is a favorite item for many cooks.

The fact that one pepper can give so many different flavors is a great indicator at how unique a pepper really is.  The jalapeno pepper is one of the most popular peppers and is truly a taste and flavor enhancer to many different foods and in many different … Continue Reading

Did you know that the weird red stuff in the middle of your olive is really a pepper?  Also known as pimento peppers, cherry peppers are heart-shaped and are a good size pepper, measuring about two to three inches long and about three inches wide. They are similar in looks to a cherry tomato. These peppers are actually very mild, scoring about a 500 on the Scoville Heat Index.  The cherry pepper has more of a sweeter flavor than hot; tasting somewhat like a red bell pepper.

The Cherry pepper is extremely easy to grow and is a favorite in many … Continue Reading

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions: Continue Reading

It is hard to believe there are so many pepper fanatics out there.  The amount of products that you can find with peppers in them is mind boggling. But in the effort to keep our readers in the know, here is a different way to experience your love of peppers.  For those that love sweet and hot together… enjoy some chili pepper candy.

Chili Pepper candy has been a favorite of Mexico and other countries for hundreds of years.  In fact, the love of chili peppers in the US has been growing in recent years and is finally coming more and … Continue Reading

There are so many different types of peppers that are available for cooking and eating that it can be overwhelming to keep them straight.  Which pepper is good for this dish or that one?  Here is some information to help you learn a bit more about the popular Pablano pepper and its sister the Ancho chile.

The Pablamo pepper is one of the most popular peppers, next to the Jalapeno. You may find it under the name Pasilla.  A native of Mexico, it is used in a variety of ways, both fresh and dried.  The flavor is mild and the spiciness … Continue Reading

Make a splash at your next party with fabulous Chili Pepper Martini’s. You can make your own homemade Chili Pepper Martini’s at home with very little effort and it is the perfect drink to serve at your next chili pepper themed party.  It will take a bit of pre work before the event, but it is super easy. Here is how.

1 Bottle of Vodka
2 Fresh Small Chili Peppers (for the infusion)
Fresh small chili peppers (for garnishing your glass)
Cocktail Shaker
Martini Glasses
Crushed Ice

Wash and dry your two chili peppers and then use a small paring knife to cut off the stems. Slice … Continue Reading

Save some time in the kitchen and make your own chili infused olive oil.  This is great to use in soups, stews and other foods that you are preparing. It would also add a wonderful flavor to meats that need a bit of oil coating before barbecuing.   It is super simple and the taste is amazing.

There are two different methods that you can try out.  The first one uses roasted chilis of any kind.  Wash and dry two chili peppers and then cut off the stem and remove the seeds and membranes. Brush the entire chili pepper with some olive … Continue Reading

Living near the South West border of the US has its benefits.  You will find a lovely mixture of Mexican and American foods and the Red and Green Chile is one of the most popular ingredients that you will find in this New Mexican American Cuisine. This type of cuisine is popular in the South West including California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

It has been said that the state question in New Mexico is “Red or Green” although this pepper is hugely embraced in the other southwestern states as well.  The chile pepper that is used in this type of … Continue Reading

Pepper harvest will soon be on us and peppers can get a little prolific.  Here is a great way to sun dry and preserve your harvest for future use when the neighbors just won’t take any more from you.

Supplies Needed:

• Baking Sheet or Small Clean Window Screen
• Clean Bath/Beach Towels or Clean Bed Sheets
• Vinyl or Plastic Gloves (for handling the chili peppers safely)
• Paring Knife and a Cutting Board
• Clothes Pins or Small Clamps

Rinse your chili peppers under cool running water and pat dry with a towel. Using a knife, slice open the chili pepper length-wise, without cutting through the other side of the … Continue Reading

Ingredients:

• 2 cup honey
• 1 cup dijon mustard
• 2 cup hot sauce
• 5 lb chicken wings (jumbo)
• 2 cup flour
• 12 tsp cayenne pepper (added to flour before dredging wings)
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning (added to flour before dredging wings)
• vegetable shortening (deep frying)

Directions: Continue Reading

One of the most popular uses of peppers has to be in the preparation of salsa.  Families have their trademark recipes and there are so many different varieties that you can make depending on the levels of peppers, tomatoes and other ingredients. It is a taste free for all.  With so many different uses for salsa, we thought we would share our top 15 or more uses so next time you which up a gallon of your favorite salsa, you might try it in a few new ways.  This is especially good for those watching your weight. Salsa is a … Continue Reading

The two most common types of fresh peppers you will find in an Asian stir-fry are the sweet green pepper and the hot chili pepper. When selecting fresh peppers for a stir-fry you want to select peppers that are free of blemishes and look for peppers that have a firm (not wrinkled) skin. When handling chili peppers make sure you protect your hands by wearing vinyl gloves.

To make an Asian Stir-Fry dish you really don’t need a recipe. You simply need a wok, some vegetable or olive oil, freshly chopped vegetables, chopped meat and some sauce or marinade. Stir-Fry’s are … Continue Reading

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups ketchup
• 3/4 cup water or beer
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, or to taste
• 4 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoon onion powder or dried chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions: Continue Reading

I know that is hard to believe but hot sauces are not all alike.  Sure they are made with vinegar and spice and all things nice, but just like any other food item, there is a large difference in many of them especially regional products like Mexican Hot Sauce or Asian Sauces.

Many people think that hot sauces are interchangeable but each one has its place within the type of food they were created for.  Take the hugely popular Tapatio Mexican hot sauce.  While this is actually a California brand, it is shipped … Continue Reading

If you love peppers, then you know that peppers are not just for lunch and dinner. They can be enjoyed for snacks and for breakfast too!  Here are some thoughts on how to expand your enjoyment with peppers.

When it comes to using peppers in breakfast dishes, the two you will probably use the most are the green, yellow or red bell pepper and the hot spicy red chili pepper. If you like a sweet and mild pepper taste, use the bell pepper and if you want a spicy kick to your dish then use red chili peppers.

Breakfast: Peppers are wonderful … Continue Reading

Whether you like your peppers spicy hot or mild and comforting, you should always keep a good selection on hand for creating dishes from all over the world. Here are 5 great peppers that you should keep in hand all the time for excellent tasting foods.

1) Ground Cayenne – This is the ground form of the Cayenne red pepper and is used often in dishes that require a punch of heat.  You can use it in sauces, soups, stews and a shake will wake up any food.  It is an easy form to use and it is readily available.

2) Crushed … Continue Reading

Did you know that Paprika is made from peppers?  It actually is from bell peppers or chili peppers and ground into a powder that we know as Paprika.  Paprika, and the Capsicum from the pepper, is unusually rich in vitamin C.   After it is ground, a lot of the vitamin C content is retained in the paprika; it contains more vitamin C by weight than lemon juice. Paprika, as with other peppers, is also high in other antioxidants.  Of course you would have to ingest a lot of paprika to retract all of the nutrients, but overall it is a … Continue Reading

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup Ranch-style salad dressing
• 3 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1 inch cubes
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon salad seasoning mix
• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped

Directions: Continue Reading

Drying chili peppers for use in food preparation or in crafts is a relatively easy process in your food dehydrator.  You will want to wear gloves when handling the peppers so that the capsaicin oil from the peppers doesn’t burn or irritate your skin. You should place your food dehydrator in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation because during the drying process the odor can irritate your eyes and nose. (use room fans if need be or use your dehydrator outside or in the garage). Once your peppers have been dried, they will be ready for you to use … Continue Reading

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
• 4 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions: Continue Reading

I don’t know about you but sometimes when cooking there will be a reference to chili powder and chile powder. Questions come up often on what is the difference between these two chilis.  So here is a bit of reference to the difference between the chili’s and the chile’s.

In most cookbooks and recipes, plenty of references are made for using chili powder.  This is a traditional spice that can be found in your spice section produced many major manufacturers.  It consists of a blend of various chili peppers, cumin, oregano, salt and dehydrated garlic.  It isn’t a true chili powder … Continue Reading

Ingredients:

• 2 (14 ounce) cans coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 2/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions: Continue Reading

You can now purchase Devil’s Own Habanero Hot Sauce from InsaneChicken.com

Proof that simplicity can be great. The ingredients list won’t leave you with a sense of awe, but the taste right from the bottle will.

Ingredients: Vinegar, habaneros, tomato puree, onion, cayenne pepper, garlic

Fantastic habanero taste with just enough cayenne in it to notice it with the aftertaste, and not too heavy on the vinegar. As for heat, it’s very manageable and we’d call it a 7.5/10. Consistency-wise, this sauce nearly rates as perfect…. Continue Reading

We love our peppers but sometimes even the best of us get that burning sensation after eating a super hot pepper dish or whole pepper. Our mouth and throat is on fire! Our face gets red and we start to sweat!!  There may be help for you! Here are a few remedies that can help cool down that afterburn going on inside.

* Drink Milk: If the heat is too much for you to stand try drinking a full glass of cow’s milk. (whole milk works best).

* Eat Ice Cream or Yogurt: Eating ice cream or yogurt after eating peppers may … Continue Reading

You can now purchase Deathwish Habanero Hot Sauce from InsaneChicken.com.

This is a delicious habanero hot sauce that has a nice balance of heat and flavor. Deathwish Habanero Hot Sauce is an explosion of flavor for the connoisseur of hot and spicy foods. This is a hot and tasty grilling sauce that makes some mean ribs.

Ingredients: Water, Habanero Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Vinegar, Salt, and Xanthan Gum.
Buy Deathwish Habanero Hot Sauce