10,000 pepper recipes

Homemade ricotta cavatelli pasta with just flour, ricotta, and egg. Hand-rolled into small finger shapes that hold sauce beautifully. Freezes well for future meals.

Sri Lankan omelette, a thick, savory egg pancake studded with onion, green chili, and curry leaves, stabilized with a teaspoon of cornstarch for that firm pancake-like bite. Ready in 15 minutes.

Zuni vegetable stew: a Southwestern medley of winter squash, corn, pinto beans, and zucchini simmered with poblano and jalapeno chiles. A hearty, chile-spiced three-sisters stew with real depth.

Low-fat spaghetti Napoli loaded with bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and basil. A colorful vegetarian pasta dinner that's on the table in just 20 minutes.

Crab and shrimp baked in a sharp cheddar cheese sauce with a hit of hot sauce, topped with more melted cheddar and served over steaming rice. Southern-style seafood comfort.

Authentic Cajun blackened chicken with a spicy Paul Prudhomme-style seasoning rub. Cast-iron skillet seared at smoking-hot temperatures for the signature charred crust. Best done outdoors or under a commercial vent.

Southwestern crab cakes with carrots, celery, and cayenne, pan-fried golden and served with a smoky pasilla chili aioli made with pimientos, white wine, and garlic.

Slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches: chuck roast braised tender, shredded, and simmered with tangy pepperoncini, sweet peppers, and garlic, then piled on Italian bread. Feeds a crowd.

Classic crabmeat au gratin baked in a buttery cream sauce with sauteed vegetables, egg yolks, and a golden cheddar crust. Rich, bubbly, and pure Louisiana comfort.

Smoked prime rib seasoned with paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne, then slow-smoked over indirect heat with rosemary added late. A low-and-slow holiday roast pulled at medium rare.

Southern-style smothered okra and eggplant slow-cooked with tomatoes, bell pepper, and apple juice until meltingly tender. No oil needed in this hearty, no-fat vegetable dish.

Slow-simmered pork burrito filling with cubed pork, jalapeno, bell peppers, cumin, oregano, and green chiles. Browned and braised until fork-tender for stuffing into warm tortillas.

Vegetarian tamale pie layered with spiced kidney beans, corn, tomatoes, and cornmeal polenta topped with Monterey Jack cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden.

Fiery homemade salsa with four jalapenos, hot sauce, cayenne, and red pepper flakes blended with fresh tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and lime. Keeps in the fridge for a week.

Greek briam-style vegetable casserole with eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes baked in olive oil. A rustic Mediterranean bake served with feta and bread.

Chicken and andouille sausage gumbo with a dark lard roux, okra, the holy trinity, and a seven-spice seasoning mix. Authentic Louisiana gumbo served over rice.