One of the most important things, from a culinary standpoint, that came about from the discovery of America in the 16th century, is arguably the chile. Quite possibly, you may think the potato, beans, or tomatoes had a larger impact, and they did...economically. But strictly for its importance in the culinary world, the chile pepper changed the world more than any other class of food.

The chile added a spiciness and intense flavor to foods that went far beyond what the world had experienced up until then (At the time, black pepper was the spiciest of spices). And the chile did add a large economic impact to the world as well, killing off what was a hugely profitable spice trade that had lasted for hundreds of years.

The Hot and Spicy Foods of the Cuisines in Today's World

Today, the chile finds itself in virtually every cuisine in the world. There is a growing popularity in spicy cooking, fiery hot recipes, and the experience the rush of eating spicy hot food.

This phenomenon is not limited geographically, either. Chiles and hot spices are not just found in hot-weather climates. From the coldest climates in the Andes Mountains or the Korean peninsula, to the European Alps, chiles dance in the mouths of people everywhere.

Spicy Cooking will focus on the cuisines of the world that are most noted for preparing and cooking using the hottest peppers, the most piquant chiles, and the most intense spices.

This website will not be for everyone, because there are still people who shy away from intense flavors, and spicy foods in general. Some people are more concerned with the texture of food, and not the flavor. They are literally afraid of that burning feeling in their mouths. But that's OK. Let me suggest, however, that if this is you, do not despair.

If you can't take the heat, and don't want to, you are certainly free to leave, of course. But may I show you another alternative? Give Spicy Cooking a chance to change your opinion.

Keep an open mind, and try to build up your tolerances for hot and spicy foods. You will be uncomfortable at first. That hot flash in your mouth is not a good feeling to you. But when that heat dies down, your senses will become heightened, and you will be rewarded with tastes an awareness of great flavors and smells from all of the rest of the foods in front of you. Relax and let those senses become acute. You will most certainly enjoy the experiences of eating like you never have before.

Now for the rest of us pepper-lovers and chile-heads, Spicy Cooking will provide you with a new outlook on your love of fiery foods and pepper-eating habits. New cuisines from around the world will be introduced, and with one thing in common, of course...intense heat and flavors.

For you lovers of intense heat, just as was the case with the pepper virgins, there will be some cooking ideas and recipes that just do not look like your regular and usual heated fare. But that's OK, too.

Let Spicy Cooking show you what is available to possibly expand on your love of spicy foods. After all, you did acquire your taste of hot food, and at one time you had to get over your fears of hot food. But you are at this point because you have already taken the plunge. Just take a few more chances, and you will be better off for it.

Most importantly, Spicy Cooking will not introduce spicy foods, recipes, and dishes just because they are the hottest out there. They will be presented because they are food ideas that use chile peppers to heighten the flavors of the other foods and ingredients on the plate, and not just overwhelm the dish with pepper heat. There is no creativity with seeing how hot you can make a dish.