Some people feel compelled to make all foods spicy—even snacks. And why
shouldn’t they? Ingesting spicy foods can make your body release endorphins, also lovingly referred to as happy chemicals. These feel-good endorphins are positive in every way! Therefore for you hungry spice hunters who want to stay happy even between meals, here are a few ingredient ideas to help spice up your snacks.
Spicy Seasoned Pretzels
Pretzels are far from the most flavorful snack. If you are getting bored with their familiar, mild taste, you can spice pretzels without involving any difficult baking. All you need to do is fill a 16-ounce bag with pretzels then add one cup of vegetable oil, two teaspoons of garlic salt, two teaspoons of lemon pepper, and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Close the bag and shake it until all the ingredients combine. Let the pretzels marinate for 2 hours and not more than six hours. Occasionally shake the bag during this time to continuously distribute the flavor. Eventually, you will have a mouthwatering, spiced-up pretzel that will be an interesting delight to eat.
Chili Powder and French Fries
Seasoned French fries are already a popular item at restaurants, but more folks should take advantage of spicing up their fries at home too. It certainly is not difficult to make your own batch of oven French fries and sprinkle on some chili powder to add a spicy “pow” to every bite. Also, for a different twist and flavor try adding paprika, cumin, or even truffle oil, and—voila—you have another delicious finger food to serve at your next party.
Jerky and a Variety of Spices
Jerky is one of the most versatile snacks on the market today. Though for some people it may be an acquired taste there are a variety of mainstream options. Beef jerky is the most well-known. The more adventurous eaters have an increasingly exotic animal source such as buffalo and venison. Jerky also works well with an overwhelming number of flavor combinations. People that love jerky should feel free to sprinkle chili powder on it for spice, dried thyme for a herb twist, or even cumin for that earthy, warm taste. It is all about exploration and experimentation with flavors. So get out there and spice your jerky however you see fit.
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Watermelon offers a refreshing opportunity to combine sweet and spicy flavors to create a delectably mind-boggling summer treat. One way to do this is to combine one-fourth cup of cilantro, one small jalapeno, lime juice from two limes, a tablespoon of sea salt, and one small watermelon. First, cut the watermelon into wedges. Take the seasoning ingredients and whisk them together in a bowl. Sprinkle the seasonings over the watermelon slices—you’ll have a bizarre yet delicious take on a cool summertime snack.
Oatmeal and Sriracha
We simply cannot talk about ingredients that spice up your snacks without talking about sriracha. Though it may sound strange at first, sriracha sauce actually mixes very well with oatmeal. Talk about a breakfast of champions! The neutral flavor of the oats is a solid base from which the Sriracha spiciness pairs well and will dance on your taste buds. Add some blueberries, honey, and cashews, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious, spicy oatmeal.