Main Dishes, One-Dish Meals

Piri Piri Chicken with Cauliflower and Potatoes

Makes 4 servings Piri piri sauce is spicy, but if you prefer something milder, substitute another red bell pepper for the Fresno chiles. Cauliflower and potatoes make this an easy one dish meal, but you serve this with French fries (that’s popular at quick-service Piri Piri shops!) or even just […]

Soups and Stews

Posole Poblano Soup

Makes 6 Servings Ingredients 4 poblano chiles 4 teaspoons corn oil 1 ancho chile 10 oz smoked pork, diced (about 2 1/2 cups) Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/4 cups diced onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, minced 3 tablespoons masa harina […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Salsa Macha

Makes about 4 cups This Mexican sauce is chile-based with the rich flavors of toasted nuts and seeds. Used as a condiment alongside, well, virtually anything, this salsa shines on quesadillas and eggs, rather than as a side for tortilla chips. This blend of chiles gives a spicy, smoky finish. […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Spicy Kimchi Stew with Pork

Makes 8 portions Kimchi is salty, a little sour, and sure, sort of funky, but definitely in a great way. This fermented chile-rubbed cabbage and scallion mixture is a great base for dishes, like this stew, and the easiest side to add some new flavors to old favorites, like roast […]

Main Dishes

Spicy Kung Pao Tofu with Peanuts and Zucchini Noodles

Makes 8 Servings Ingredients 1 lb extra firm tofu, drained Kosher salt, as needed 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or sherry 2 tablespoons sesame oil Sauce 2 tablespoons bean sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons chile paste with garlic 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 2 cups peanut […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Makes about 8 servings The key to this perfect summer refresher is great watermelon, so if your melon is a dud, you may want to try something else. Of course, you can also make the same mixture with cantaloupe or pineapple (or basically any other fruit!), so pick what’s tastiest […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tahini Soy Dressing

Makes about 2/3 cup This dressing is great on salads and as a dipping sauce, but it also tastes exceptionally good on a pasta salad as well. Ingredients 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 2 teaspoons minced ginger 1 shallot, minced 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

What Makes Food Spicy?

Do you like spicy food? If the answer is yes – join the club! If the answer is no – well, join the other club, because there are lots of people just like you! Have you ever wondered why certain foods are so spicy? Spicy foods burn our mouths thanks […]