Is dinner the favorite part of your weeknight or are you a weekend warrior that’s a master of the grill? If you are either, or both, have you ever felt like something was missing from your dishes and you just can’t put your finger on it?
If that sounds familiar, some spice might take dishes, both new and familiar, to the next step. Not sure how the spice might flow? Here’s some ideas to get you started for whatever kind of dishes you’re planning on serving up next.
Buffalo Sauce
We all know the magic that comes with perfectly fried wings glazed in your favorite sauce but have you thought all the other dishes buffalo sauce would love to meet? Most of us haven’t introduced buffalo to beef. It’s time we let two of our closest friends get to know one another.
Next time you are whipping up meatloaf consider adding some buffalo and bleu cheese to feel like you are having something completely new. The same applies for turkey burgers and chili. You might not have thought about it before, but you’ll never be able to forget about it now.
Curry Powder
If sauces and soups are your style, curry powder is an easy way to add surprising spice to more dishes that you might guess. While many believe it’s an Indian staple, it’s actually British but the whole world loves it so make sure you try it for yourself on as many dishes as possible.
It’s sweet and spicy with an earthy flavor and you might recognize it’s signature orange glow thanks to the turmeric that’s found inside its mixture. For the cautious among us, it comes in different levels of heat, so take it slow. There’s nothing wrong with starting at the bottom and working your way to the level that’s perfect for your favorite style of cooking.
Pepper Jelly
You can whip it up, you can buy it, just get it in your cupboards and make sure there is always some around. It’s hard to think of something more universal than pepper jelly to add both a little sweetness and a kick to nearly any dish whether you are using it as a glaze or finishing touch.
Hand it to the grillmasters to take burgers to the next level, or even use it in a cheesecake. Once you start sharing your pepper jelly enhanced dishes don’t be surprised when the neighbors keep knocking for more.
Barbeque Sauce
This might not sound like a way to add some heat, but take one bite of the right mixture and you’ll understand all the flexibility barbeque sauce has. The differences in sauce you might find are more than regional. The right amount of heat is just as contested as the part of the country you are getting your sauce from.
Some smokey heat might be perfect for those looking to reinvent their weeknight staples, from beef, to pork, even seafood, throw some barbecue in there and it’ll be like having your favorites for the first time.
