A very wise group of women once said “People of the world – spice up your life” (that’s right, it’s the Spice Girls) and it’s been my personal life mantra ever since. Ok not really, I’m still a mild-medium type gal, but there’s no denying how amazing a little spice can be in taking a dish from “yum” to “wow” (or is it from “wow” to “pow”? things to reflect on…). For those who like spice in their food, there’s recipes to satisfy that don’t just involve dousing Grandma’s shepherd’s pie in hot sauce either. Getting creative with how you infuse spice into recipes can be really fun. From hot wings to nachos, soups and salads, there’s room for spice in everything – even dessert!! So get your tongues ready – things are about to get lit.
Let’s start off the day right, shall well? Little pep in our step? Pep is short for “pepper”, by the way (just don’t google fact check that though – you’ll just have to take my word for it). A morning one-pot recipe that involves ancho chili powder, along with onions, potato, kale, tomatoes, goat cheese and eggs. This is truly a complete breakfast.
http://pinchofyum.com/one-pot-spicy-eggs-and-potatoes Photo by: Pinch Of Yum
Oh how often we forget the importance of a side dish! Don’t let it be a lame addition to your dinner with bland flavorless plain ol’ somethings. Spice it up!! It’s also the perfect way to add spice, being as it’s a side – it won’t overpower the dish completely…merely compliment it. Exactly like a good side dish should.
http://www.forkknifeswoon.com/spicy-sauteed-sesame-garlic-broccolini/?w3tc_note=pgcache_purge_post Photos by: Fork Knives Swoon
I love this recipe, because it’s versatile for the whole family. Not looking to call the fire department on your children’s mouths? Just make their tenders plain, while you coat yours in this delicious firecracker sauce that will certainly leave you spiced and satisfied.
http://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/baked-firecracker-chicken-tenders/ Photo by: Le Creme De La Crumb
If it’s a New Orleans recipe, you KNOW it’s gonna have that “bam” of spice to it. You can serve it with toast, on pasta, with veggies or just eat them up on their own. It’s a must-try for the spicy seafood fanatics.
http://www.jocooks.com/main-courses/seafood/spicy-new-orleans-shrimp/ Photos by: Jo Cooks
No matter what the time of year, I love soups. When allergy season strikes, it’s my go-to feel-good meal. This soup also packs a kick, which is really great on taste, but also nasal congestion… so…. win win?
http://laurencariscooks.com/spicy-sweet-potato-soup/ Photos by: Lauren Caris Cooks
Well this is genius. Jalapeno poppers are the spicy lovers favorite appetizer. With a spicy pepper, crusted in bread crumbs and balanced with cheese…it makes complete sense (even if I’ve never thought of it until now) to make this into a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s all the same ingredients basically, just a new way of serving them up. This time, as a full meal. Pfft, tiny appetizers.
http://www.simplystacie.net/2012/05/crazy-cooking-challenge-jalapeno-popper-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe/ Photos by: Simply Stacie
Even the healthy living folk love spice! It doesn’t always have to be on chicken wings and nachos. There’s room for spicy meals even in a healthy power bowl lunch. Spicy buffalo cauliflower is balanced in a bowl of quinoa, chickpeas, avocados and cilantro for a balanced (spicy) meal.
http://pumpkinandpeanutbutter.com/2015/11/11/spicy-cauliflower-power-bowl/ Photo by: Pumpkin & Peanut Butter
A vegan spicy stir fry, loaded with veggies and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce is a quick and easy way to enjoy a little evening spice.
http://wallflowerkitchen.stfi.re/spicy-tenderstem-peanut-noodle-stir-fry/?sf=wdeozpl#aa Photos by: Wallflower Kitchen
Looking for a quick snack that’s easy to make and even easier to bring with you? This pan roasted recipe makes a spicy crunchy snack that will add a pop of protein to your diet, too! The spicy chili cayenne & cilantro almonds are so good, you’ll be may find yourself popping them by the handful into your mouth.
http://chefsavvy.com/5-minute-spicy-chili-almonds/ Photos by: Chef Savvy
Popcorn is my best bedtime snack. It’s easy to make, cheap, and will go with any flavor hankerings I happen to have that night. Sriracha being a staple sauce in my house, it’s an easy choice to make to create this recipe at home!
http://www.livingasunshinelife.com/sriracha-popcorn-recipe/ Photos by: Living A Sunshine Life
With whole cayenne chili peppers paired with a full pound of fresh strawberries, then add in some sriracha, tequila and a few other ingredients to combine to make a batch of this barbecue sauce, just waiting to be brushed onto some grilled chicken breasts! Don’t let this unusual pairing deter you – this is a match made in spicy, sweet heaven.
http://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/sauces/sweet-and-spicy-strawberry-barbecue-sauce Photo by: Chili Pepper Madness
Oh yes, you can even DRINK your way into spice! I mean, is there really a better way? Spicy foods, refreshing drinks. They naturally go hand in hand. This jalapeno margarita is definitely #PatioDrinkGoals this summer!
https://aseasyasapplepie.com/spicy-grapefruit-jalapeno-margarita/ Photos by: As Easy As Apple Pie
…filled with Nutella chili chocolate ganache, and chili cream cheese frosting. Now, there’s a mouthful. Literally. In Mexican tradition, “hot” chocolate means spicy so the combination of chocolate and spice is nothing new. If you’ve never tried it, you are completely missing out!! The sweet decadence of the chocolate is simply followed by a warmth of the spice that balances so perfectly that it actually enhances the chocolate.
http://www.mykitchenintherockies.com/2012/03/01/celebrating-two-years-of-blogging-with-spicy-chocolate-cupcakes-filled-with-nutella-chili-chocolate-ganache-and-chili-cream-cheese-frosting/ Photos by: My Kitchen In The Rockies
Like I mentioned above, Mexican chocolate means SPIIIICY! Not too spicy though, merely a warmth. This vegan and gluten free recipe makes a mousse from ripe avocados, cacao powder, coconut milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and of course – ancho chili!
http://cookeatpaleo.com/mexican-chocolate-avocado-mousse/?utm_content=bufferbcdaa&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer Photos by: Cook Eat Paleo
Oh Srirach-yeah! When the ice cream cools you down as you take in this spicy sauce in the most delicious summer-friendly way…ever!
http://www.saltycanary.com/sriracha-ice-cream-recipe/ Photo by: Salty Canary
