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<item><title><![CDATA[The best & worst companion plants for your pepper plants]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-best-worst-companion-plants-for-your-pepper-plants</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[growing peppers, Health Benefits, mad dog 357]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-best-worst-companion-plants-for-your-pepper-plants-756370.jpg?v=1679373340</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Some people just can’t get enough of hot peppers.
They taste great, they’re packed with health benefits, and they add an extra dose of spice to just about anything. You may love peppers so much you’ve thought of growing a plant or two in your home garden. It’s probably not as hard as you think, but there’s something else to consider, and it has to do with what’s growing near your pepper plants. Essentially, a companion plant is nothing new. People use them to help with pest control, to help provide nutrients to the soil, and for things like cross-pollination and improved yield. Some plants automatically work well together and help each other in the growing season. Unfortunately for avid gardeners, it turns out some companion plants are great for pepper crops, and some of them you should probably avoid. 
Peppers do great with a lot of sun.
Depending on which variety you choose from the hot pepper scale, you may be able to plant them in pots, raised garden beds, or right in the ground. If you’re looking for a companion plant, spinach helps crowd out the weeds and keeps the soil moist and cool. Herbs help protect against certain pests, while onions protect against cabbage worms and slugs. Certain types of flowers draw in pollinators and keep pests away from peppers. Basil can deter pests, and carrots help reduce weeds.
On the other hand, there are some companion plants you’ll want to avoid around peppers.
Bean vines can injure pepper plants, while kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and broccoli need a different type of soil. A common type of fungal disease in peppers can be bad for apricot trees, so you’ll want to keep them apart. There’s also fennel, which can sometimes inhibit pepper growth and is prone to attracting certain insects. With all this in mind, if you’re successful with your pepper plants, rejoice, because you’ve just made it even easier to add more hot peppers to your diet.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The easiest way to grow peppers from seed]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-easiest-way-to-grow-peppers-from-seed</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chili pepper seeds, Defend your garden with chili pepper spray, Mad Dog 357 Dried Naga Morich Pepper Pod]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:03 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-easiest-way-to-grow-peppers-from-seed-700686.jpg?v=1678802603</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Many of us can’t get enough of hot peppers.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could sometimes indulge in fresh peppers straight from your own home garden. It turns out you can, but growing peppers isn’t necessarily the same as growing any other fruit or veggie. The easiest way to grow peppers from seed is to start indoors. You’ll want to do this about eight weeks before the expected last frost.
Fill up most of a small pot with a seed starting mix, then lightly spray the soil with a spray bottle.
Take two to three pepper seeds, and plant them about 1/8 of an inch deep. Spray them again a few times. The soil needs to be moist, but not too damp. Place the pots on a windowsill where the seeds can get eight hours of sunlight a day. You can also use a grow light. The room needs to be around 65-70 degrees. Remember to spray the soil twice a day until the plant is about three inches tall. If you have any small plants after this time, snip them down to the soil line with scissors so the healthier plants can thrive. Next, transplant the seedlings into a larger indoor pot. The soil should be no higher than where the base of the plant meets the roots. Again, spray the soil with water a few times, then spray it once a day several times until around the last expected frost. Keep the temperature and sunlight constant.
Next, it’s time to move outdoors.
Over the span of about two weeks, slowly introduce your plants to the outside by putting them out for two hours, then an extra hour a day until they’ve been outside for six straight hours. After the last frost, dig eight-inch-deep holes, about a foot to 18 inches apart in full light. You can also try adding a six-inch layer of mulch around the plant once it’s in the ground. Water lightly in the morning or evening every day until you harvest your hot pepper scale crop sometime in mid-summer.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mediterranean Recipes for Spicy Food Lovers]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/mediterranean-recipes-for-spicy-food-lovers</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[healthy choice, healthy eating, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot Sauce, Mediterranean, recipe]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/mediterranean-recipes-for-spicy-food-lovers-631937.jpg?v=1678173897</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’re looking for some new inspiration to satisfy your taste for spicy food, you’re in luck!
While some Mediterranean food isn’t so spicy, there are other recipes with a bit of a kick. Some traditional recipes take veggies and grains up a notch with extra spices. Oftentimes you’ll see paprika, black peppers, cumin, cloves, and other spices mixed in to give a little heat to stews, soups, and other dishes.

You’ll probably find fruit and veggies, grains, olive oil and aromatic herbs introduced with Mediterranean-style cooking. The most consumed food in the Mediterranean is plant-based, but some meat is used in moderation. Rather than reaching for salt, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices are commonly used. Many of the recipes featured include peppers, with varying degrees of heat from the hot pepper scale.

Cacciatore
Spicy peppers help give a little extra spice to cacciatore. While beef cacciatore recipes do differ, in southern Italy the dish commonly includes spicy peppers, olives, and anchovies.
Calabria
Calabria is a spicy dish made from Calabrian peppers. This cayenne-like chili is crushed and dried. The spicy selection is oftentimes served in restaurants and is a good option during cooler weather.
Bucatini all amatriciana
Bucatini all amatriciana is a common Mediterranean dish which uses guanciale and red pepper flakes to spice up tomato sauce over pasta. The Italian dish sometimes includes cheese, olive oil, and onions, too.
Speca te mbushur me salce kosi
If you need a side dish, speca te mbushur me salce kosi is a popular selection in Albania. Essentially a stuffed pepper, the menu item starts with a pickled green pepper, which is then filled with sour cream.
Shakshuka
If you’re preparing breakfast, shakshuka is an option that mixes poached eggs in with a spicy tomato sauce. This filling breakfast meal begins with fresh red tomatoes, which are stewed in olive oil, a jalapeno pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and then topped off with poached eggs.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Time Matters When it Comes to the Best Time of Day to Eat Spicy Food]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/time-matters-when-it-comes-to-the-best-time-of-day-to-eat-spicy-food</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Health Benefits, Mad Dog 357 Ghost, party snacks, spicy snack]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/time-matters-when-it-comes-to-the-best-time-of-day-to-eat-spicy-food-696882.jpg?v=1677579952</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you love spicy food, you may want to make sure you time it right.
It turns out the time of day sometimes matters when you’re trying to get your spicy food fix. It’s no secret that hot peppers are packed with vitamins and nutrients. There are obviously plenty of health benefits tied to eating some extra spice at mealtime. While you may love the added flavor, some people claim spicy food leaves them bloated, gives them ulcers, or even gives them heartburn, especially late at night.
That’s one of the reasons why some dieticians claim eating spicy food earlier in the day is better.
They say it gives your body more time to absorb all the nutrients. For those having a hard time with spicy food, eating it earlier in the day may help calm things down a bit. That’s because some people have an easier time with spicy food if they eat it earlier, especially those who suffer from acid reflux or GERD. If you sometimes feel a little discomfort after eating spicy food, you may want to pair it with something like yogurt. Of course, there are all kinds of ways to get more spicy food into your diet in the morning, from chopping up peppers and adding them to scrambled eggs to making a spicy breakfast casserole.
While this may work for some, it may not work for others.
Time matters, but sometimes its timing that’s specific to your own individual needs. That’s why there are other dieticians who recommend waiting a bit later in the day to indulge on spicy snacks. Of course, everyone has a different level of tolerance, so listen to your own body when it comes the right time of day. If you enjoy the taste of the food and can tolerate it health-wise, you’ll likely have a great time exploring new options on the hot pepper scale.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Turn Up the Heat on Hot Chocolate]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/how-to-turn-up-the-heat-on-hot-chocolate</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[aphrodisiac, Capsaicin, chili and chocolate, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/how-to-turn-up-the-heat-on-hot-chocolate-261259.jpg?v=1677579949</sr:image><description><![CDATA[We’re still in the middle of the winter season, which means there’s still plenty of time to warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Some hot chocolate aficionados enjoy adding whole milk, while others opt for coffee creamer or heavy cream. You don’t have to be a kid to love whipped cream or marshmallows on top of your hot chocolate, but you do need to be a grownup to spike your hot cocoa with bourbon, tequila, mezcal or spiced rum.
Some foodies suggest using a sweeter chocolate with 65-percent cacao or less if you’re making hot chocolate.
You can also use cocoa powder to make it easy. If you really want to kick things up a notch, try mixing in some green Chartreuse with your hot chocolate. The recipe takes unsweetened cocoa powder, a little bit of salt, and some whole milk. While whisking, you bring it to a boil, then take it off the heat and add in a few ounces of chopped, sweet Mexican chocolate. Pour it in a mug with a little green Chartreuse and tequila. Here’s where the recipe gets a bit interesting for hot pepper fans. You then add in a little hot sauce, to your preference. For garnishment, you can sprinkle on some dried and crushed ancho chiles.
It turns out this popular pepper isn’t just used in Mexican food
It can also be used in drinks. Anchos are the dried version of almost ripe poblano peppers, which rank on the mild side in terms of Scoville heat units on the hot pepper scale. Anchos are just one way you can spice up your meal, and it seems your drink, too. Like anything else, the amount of dried pepper and hot sauce you use is really up to your own personal taste, but a dash of hot sauce and a pinch of dried peppers in your hot chocolate will probably do it. 


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for growing chili pepper plants at home]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/tips-for-growing-chili-pepper-plants-at-home</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Defend your garden with chili pepper spray, growing peppers, hotter chili peppers, Mad Dog 357 Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/tips-for-growing-chili-pepper-plants-at-home-517120.jpg?v=1676263973</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you just can’t get enough of the taste and flavor of hot peppers, you may find it hard to satisfy your growing hunger for hotter and hotter peppers gleaned from the hot pepper scale.

While you may not always be able to find some of your favorite flavors at your local grocery store, you can try growing your own. Luckily, chili pepper plants are relatively low maintenance, so you don’t necessarily have to be a master gardener to grow hot peppers at home. There are, however, a few key things to keep in mind.
If weather is a concern, you can always start the process indoors before your local growing season begins.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to plant in the ground after the last frost of the year, when the soil is dry, and the ground temperature is warm. It may surprise you, but the best temperature for growing pepper plants is between 70-90 degrees. You don’t want it too hot or too cold. Keep in mind, chili pepper plants need soil that drains well, too. If you want hotter peppers, don’t use over-fertilized soil, either. Instead, try using an organic fertilizer when the growing season begins and when your plants start flowering.
Pepper plants only need about an inch of water per week.
They also need full sun, so make sure the spot you use in your garden gets six to eight hours of sunlight per day. As for handling pests, you can try using neem oil at the base of your plants. If one plant becomes infested with pests, you’ll want to destroy it, so it doesn’t spread the problem to your other pepper plants. When it’s time to harvest, use sharp gardening shears, or scissors, but don’t just pull peppers off the stems. This could damage your plant. You’ll get the best and hottest peppers if you harvest when the peppers are the right size to eat, but they’re not yet fully ripened.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Too much spice? Here’s why you don’t want to reach for a glass of water]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/too-much-spice-heres-why-you-dont-want-to-reach-for-a-glass-of-water</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[hot peppers, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, spicy food, super hot peppers]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/too-much-spice-heres-why-you-dont-want-to-reach-for-a-glass-of-water-421537.jpg?v=1676263977</sr:image><description><![CDATA[We’ve all probably been in the situation where we eat something a bit too spicy and immediately reach for the closest thing to quench the burning pain.
If it’s the capsaicin from a burning hot pepper that’s to blame, you definitely do not want it to be a glass of water. We know the pain. Some peppers rank extremely high on the hot pepper scale, and you may be caught in a situation where you’re willing to down just about anything in sight to get rid of the burn. But believe us when we say water is NOT the answer.
That’s because capsaicin can dissolve in fat and alcohol, but not in water.
Water, unfortunately, just spreads the burn around and makes the burning problem worse. Luckily, there are some other options that might help. One great potential solution is to have a glass of whole milk on standby. If you feel like trying something a little different, you can always whip of a glass of homemade sweet lassi. The thick drink is typically made from chilled milk, sugar, and ice. You can also use alcohol, but remember, the higher the alcohol count, the better it works in terms of masking the burn from hot peppers. Yet another option to try is ice cream. The fat in ice cream will probably give some relief, plus its cold, too.
Some people suggest eating a spoonful of granulated sugar or honey to get rid of the burn.
This might give you some temporary relief, but it won’t actually break down the capsaicin, at all. Essentially, you’re just offering up a temporary distraction from the pain. That goes for ice, too. Once that ice melts, you’ll start feeling the heat once again. Enjoy those hot peppers, but if you can’t handle the burn, you may want to have a quick solution within reach.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spicy food: Love it, or leave it?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/spicy-food-love-it-or-leave-it</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chile heads, hot sauce lovers, Mad Dog 357 Reaper Sriracha Hot Sauce, super hot]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/spicy-food-love-it-or-leave-it-996261.jpg?v=1676263980</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Some of us just can’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in spicy food.
You probably already know it if you belong to this category. You’re the type of person who can’t wait for the chance to sample your way through the hot pepper scale. You probably crave the extra spice, no matter whether its breakfast, lunch, a mid-afternoon snack, dinnertime, or a late-night snack. On the other hand, there are also sadly people who don’t give themselves the opportunity very often to heat things up on the hot scale. They’re the kind of people who pass up extra seasonings and spicy hot flavor in exchange for mild, non-heart racing peppers and spice. Everyone has their reasons, but if you’re a hot pepper lover, have you ever wondered what makes you prefer the hot stuff over others?
It’s likely as simple as preferences.
Everyone’s different and everyone’s sensory perceptions are different, too. The spiciness you’re willing to tolerate is based on your own individual taste receptors and a food’s heat index. Some people are more sensitive than others to, say, specific hot peppers. It may also have something to do with how early in life you were introduced to spicy food, as well as cultural traditions in your upbringing. Some researchers seem to think your food preferences may begin before you’re even born. Basically, they think what your mom ate while she was pregnant may have an influence on your tastes later in life.
Remember, your taste buds don’t actually taste a pepper’s heat.
Instead, you’re reacting to the sensation of heat. When you eat spicy food, it irritates the receptors in your tongue and mouth. When your brain thinks something is hot, it tries to cool you down. This explains why you may start sweating when you eat something spicy. Of course, if you’re a spicy food lover, it’s probably worth it!

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Too Much Spice? How to Cool Things Down Fast]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/too-much-spice-how-to-cool-things-down-fast</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[capsaicin burn, capsicum, hot and spicy, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:00:03 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/too-much-spice-how-to-cool-things-down-fast-536545.jpg?v=1675193894</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve had a bit too much spice, you know you need to cool things down fast!
While many of us love the taste of spicy food, there probably comes a time for all of us that we’ve hit our limit. We need too cool things down, and fast! But before you down that glass of water, keep in mind water can quench your thirst, but it won’t do much to alleviate the burning pain of hot peppers. That’s especially true when it comes to those that rank high on the hot pepper scale. That’s because the capsaicin in hot peppers is fat-soluble. In other words, it mostly just repels water.
On the other hand, there’s milk.
Milk contains casein, plus its fat-soluble. It’s thought the fat in milk dissolves capsaicin, keeping it from binding to the TRPV1 receptor on your tongue. Skim milk won’t be nearly as effective. You want to reach for a glass of milk with the highest fat content available. If you’re lactose intolerant, never fear. Because capsaicin is alkaline, you can neutralize it with vinegar, lemon juice, or another type of acidic food. It won’t work quite as well as milk, but at least it’s an option in a pinch.
Some people also claim you can fight back against spicy food by eating bread.
Chemically speaking, adding more carbs isn’t all that effective in soothing the burn from spicy food. Essentially, the bread just acts as a barrier, of sorts, between capsaicin and the receptors on your tongue. There’s obviously no need to give up spicy food altogether, but it helps to know your limits. If you’re not used to extra spicy food, you may want to start on the lower end of the spice scale, then slowly work your way up as your tolerance increases.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Super Bowl Appetizers for the Win!]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/super-bowl-appetizers-for-the-win</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[football, mad dog 357, party snacks, Recipes]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2023 08:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/super-bowl-appetizers-for-the-win-131398.jpg?v=1675193903</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Your favorite team may or may not be in the big game this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score some major points with your Super Bowl food.
Here are just a few of the best Super Bowl appetizer options that are sure to have foodie fans cheering for more.
Queso dip
Dips are a staple of any watch party, and you can’t go wrong with queso! Start with some sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese, then add in some fresh veggies and, of course, some hot peppers. You can play around a little with the spice level until you come up with just the right blend. You can also try making queso in your slow cooker to save some time.
Jalapeno poppers
Jalapeno poppers are another good choice for appetizers. You can make your own by mixing up some cream cheese, mozzarella and Swiss cheese, plus whatever else you want to add to create the perfect spicy treat.
Jalapeno popper dip
There’s also a version of poppers made into a dip. Just use all the traditional stuffed jalapeno ingredients, mix it together in a dish, then put it in the oven to bake.
Buffalo chicken wings
Buffalo chicken wings also tend to be a fan favorite. For a real crowd pleaser, make sure you have some hot sauce on hand. Like anything else, let your taste buds be the determining factor of how high you go on the hot pepper scale.
Pulled pork tacos
Hot sauce can be a good addition to pulled pork tacos. They’re sure to be a big hit, as they can be both spicy and sweet! The best part of all is you can cook the pork overnight, so it’s one less thing you need to worry about in the pre-game set-up. 
Loaded nachos
Everyone seems to love nachos, so why not make them part of your Super Bowl spread? You can make the nachos as soon as your guests arrive, or let your guests add the toppings themselves so they’re fresh. Be sure and have some sliced jalapenos on hand to give them an extra kick.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Liven up ordinary tuna salad with these ingredients]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/liven-up-ordinary-tuna-salad-with-these-ingredients</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[curry, jalapeno, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, mustard, spicy tuna]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/liven-up-ordinary-tuna-salad-with-these-ingredients-699646.jpg?v=1673968458</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Even if you love certain foods, there’s probably always an opportunity to make them even better.
For instance, it’s easy to spice up ordinary tuna salad with some of these ingredients:
Hot sauce
While some people appreciate the mildness of tuna salad, you can really take things up a notch by adding in some spicy flavors. If you love hot sauce on other foods, why not try it on tuna salad? Before you just start randomly throwing in hot sauce, think about the flavors you want to bring out. A habanero-based hot sauce can really add in some spice, while a green jalapeno-based sauce is lower in terms of heat. Vinegar-based hot sauces add more acidity to tuna salad.
Jalapenos
Speaking of jalapenos, the mild pepper can give your tuna salad a bit of a kick. While jalapenos do rank on the lower end of the hot pepper scale, they still bring at least a little heat. Finely diced pickled jalapenos tend to have less heat too, so they may be a good addition for those who want a little extra flavor, but still want their tuna salad on the mild side.
Curry powder
Curry powder is a blend of spices, which could include ground chili peppers, turmeric, cardamom, and curry leaf. Mixing some into tuna salad gives it extra color and some extra flavor.
Dijon mustard
If you’re not against adding a little mustard to your mayo-based salad, try using Dijon mustard. It has more flavor than plain yellow mustard, and less mayo means a healthier tuna salad, too. Not only is a healthy choice, but a flavorful one, as well.
Lemon zest
Finally, lemon zest can help boost the citrus flavor of tuna salad, without reaching for another lemon. It’s less acidic than lemon juice, but it’s also a little bitter. Lemon zest also helps introduce some bright yellow coloring to mealtime.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Try This Cooking Hack Before Handling Hot Peppers]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/try-this-cooking-hack-before-handling-hot-peppers</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chili oil, cooking with extracts, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, meal prep]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/try-this-cooking-hack-before-handling-hot-peppers-516068.jpg?v=1670915318</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you love the taste of hot peppers but can’t handle the heat on your hands as you cook, you may want to try a simple hack.
Sure, peppers add flavor to mealtime, but you don’t necessarily want to end up with chili residue on your hands. If you don’t get all the hot stuff off your hands, you’re more likely to end up accidentally rubbing your face at some point afterwards, potentially transferring the heat on to your eyes or nose. That can be extremely painful.
Traditional soap and water can remove some of the capsaicin oil from your skin, but not all of it.
The capsaicin is oil based, so it won’t dissolve in water. If you don’t clean your hands well enough, you could also end up transferring the oil to other family members, your pet, or even things in your house later, only to end up in a vicious cycle of hot pepper heat. Some people advise using gloves when you’re chopping up extremely hot peppers, but even certain gloves aren’t enough to protect your skin from the hottest peppers. So, what are your options if soap and water and even gloves aren’t strong enough to combat the hot chili residue? The answer is something simple, and you probably already have it in your kitchen pantry.
According to professional Chef Kelly Scott, it’s olive oil.
She made a TikTok video about it. Kelly says the simplest way to get chili residue from sticking to your hands is to rub on some olive oil. She advices grabbing a paper towel, soaking up the olive oil, then rubbing it all over your hands where they touched hot peppers. Others also shared their own words of wisdom, including rinsing off with vinegar, soaking up the oil with baby powder or flour, using baby shampoo, or trying lemon juice. No matter the solution, if you want to experience higher levels on the hot pepper scale, you need to come up with a way to enjoy them without the unintentional pepper burn.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Start Your Day Off Right With Spicy Food]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/start-your-day-off-right-with-spicy-food</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[breakfast, Health Benefits, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/start-your-day-off-right-with-spicy-food-293757.jpg?v=1670915306</sr:image><description><![CDATA[You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start your day off right?
Sure, you can go for traditional bacon and eggs, bagels, or pancakes, but you can also take it up a notch by adding some extra spice. You don’t have to wait until lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack to try out extra flavors on the hot pepper scale. You can start early in the morning to receive some of the health benefits of spicy food all day long.
That’s because chili peppers are packed with health benefits.
The capsaicin in hot peppers is already used in other ways to help with inflammation and for pain relief. It can also help your body stay healthy. Adding more capsaicin to your diet can help with your mood and reduce stress. That’s because when you eat something spicy, your body naturally produces endorphins. Spicy food can also help with gut health and help improve digestion. If you’re dealing with health issues, such as heartburn or bloating, eating spicy food early in the morning may help, as well.
If you make it the first meal of the day, instead of the second or third, it gives your body more time to absorb the nutrients.
Some people have trouble with spicy food later in the day too, so eating it earlier can be a good option. If you’re wondering where to start, you can try sprinkling a little paprika or cayenne pepper on an omelet, or simply add in some jalapeno peppers to scrambled eggs. You can also try a bit of hot sauce. You don’t have to go all out or make anything that takes a lot of extra time, but it’s easy to add in a little spice from the beginning to start the day off right.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is spicy food healthy or harmful?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/is-spicy-food-healthy-or-harmful</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Health Benefits, key to loving spicy foods, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot Sauce, Scoville scale]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 08:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/is-spicy-food-healthy-or-harmful-237544.jpg?v=1670915309</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Some people love the taste of spicy food, while others avoid it.
You might hear them say it irritates their stomach or its too much to handle. But what’s the real deal when it comes to spicy food? Is it truly healthy, or is it harmful? For the answer, we turn to the experts. It turns out spicy food contains quite a few health benefits. Researchers say people who exercise and eat a well-balanced diet can use spicy food to help further boost their metabolism. The capsaicin helps with that because it assists your body with burning energy and breaking down fat. Spicy food may also help with portion control, as the capsaicin in hot peppers reduces your appetite, so you naturally want to eat less throughout the day.
There are other studies that say diets including spicy food can help with heart health.
Eating spicy food may reduce things like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even Type 2 diabetes. Yet another study found people who routinely eat chili peppers on the hot pepper scale are less likely to die from a stroke or heart attack. Spicy food may even have a benefit in terms of gut health, which helps with our energy and immune systems.
So, what about people who claim spicy food is harmful to their health?
It may be that they just don’t like the taste of spicy food, or that they’re not used to eating food with a lot of spice. While you should always follow the advice of your doctor when it comes to what to eat and what not to eat for your own health, sometimes the challenge of tackling spicy food simply means training your body to start slow. You don’t need to race to the very top of the hot scale. Find a pepper you’re comfortable with and enjoy eating, then go from there.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[To Spice or Not to Spice]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/to-spice-or-not-to-spice</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, Metabolism, Scoville, spicy fast food]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/to-spice-or-not-to-spice-344865.jpg?v=1670915321</sr:image><description><![CDATA[A lot of us love the taste of spicy food.
There’s nothing quite like soaking up the extreme heat from the hot pepper scale. From milder peppers to scorching hot peppers that rank at the very top of the Scoville Scale, it’s sometimes hard to choose. But believe it or not, there are some people who don’t enjoy the extra spice. Some say they’re not able to enjoy the other ingredients in food, because all they taste is the fiery hot flavor from hot peppers. They claim without the spice, they’re better able to satisfy their taste buds because the hot spice is so overpowering.
Of course, on the other end of the extreme, there are several good reasons to go for hot peppers.
Some people truly like experiencing the hot pepper high. That’s when peppers are so hot, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine to combat the pain. Spicy hot peppers can also help your metabolism. According to studies, people who consume more capsaicin naturally burn more calories. Peppers have several other health benefits, too.
So, if you’re not a fan of hot peppers right now, can building up your tolerance to spicy food be the answer?
According to published reports, people who eat spicy food on a regular basis do eventually experience some desensitizing of their pain receptors. As with anything, the answer of, “to spice or not to spice”, really comes down to your individual taste and preferences. If you truly don’t enjoy spicy hot flavors already, you can always start at the bottom of the hot pepper scale and work your way up. On the other hand, if you already enjoy the extra heat, there’s virtually no limit and no comparison when it comes to soaking up the extra flavor of hot peppers and hot pepper products.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to make an easy appetizer, straight from the skillet]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-an-easy-appetizer-straight-from-the-skillet-1</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[blistered shishito peppers, chile peppers, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:30:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/how-to-make-an-easy-appetizer-straight-from-the-skillet-440231.jpg?v=1668016446</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you want to impress your family and friends at your next get-together, you may want to consider whipping up a spicy appetizer sure to please the crowds.
Blistered shishito peppers are not only easy to make, but they taste great too. Shishito peppers aren’t very big, but they’re big on taste. When raw, they taste relatively sweet. These mild peppers rank even lower than jalapenos on the hot pepper scale, but when you blister them, you end up with a smoky flavor. While most aren’t very hot in terms of the Scoville Scale, every once and awhile shishito peppers pack quite a punch.
Ingredients:
Peppers:12 oz shishito peppers8 oz burrataOlive oil
Dressing:
2T preserved lemon paste1T apple cider vinegar1tsp honey¼ cup olive oilPreheat a skillet over medium, then toss a little olive oil and salt on the peppers and spread them out in a single layer in the hot skillet. After about eight minutes, they should be blistered and charred. Next, take some of the dressing mix and toss it in with the blistered shishito peppers. The dressing is made from a mixture of lemon paste, honey, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Also throw in some salt and pepper. When you’re finished, put the peppers on a platter. Break the burrata into pieces, then place that on top of the peppers. Next, drizzle the rest of the dressing over everything on the platter. To give it a little something extra, toast some slices of sourdough bread and drizzle the bread with a little olive oil. Place some of the burrata you just made on top of the bread, then top it all off with a couple of the blistered shishito peppers. If you don’t want to use bread or make an appetizer out of the recipe, the blistered peppers work well paired with grilled steak or piled on top of tacos.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why it’s a good idea to remove the seeds from dried peppers]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/why-it-s-a-good-idea-to-remove-the-seeds-from-dried-peppers-1</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chili seeds, hot and spicy, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, spicy food]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:00:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/why-its-a-good-idea-to-remove-the-seeds-from-dried-peppers-852134.jpg?v=1668016449</sr:image><description><![CDATA[A lot of people enjoy the taste and flavor of hot peppers.
After all, hot peppers can certainly spice up mealtime. If you’re considering using dried chili peppers in your next soup, stew, or salsa, you’ll want to start by removing the seeds. While many people seem to think peppers take their spice from the seeds, that’s actually a misconception. Hot peppers get their spicy flavor from capsaicin. That’s the compound found in hot peppers that makes them so hot. The higher the capsaicin, the higher the pepper ranks on the heat scale. Most of the capsaicin is concentrated in the pepper’s pith. If you want to take away some of the heat, you’ll want to take out the pepper’s whitish membrane. The seeds don’t contain any heat, but because they’re close to the pith, they may end up coated with some of the extra spiciness.
You won’t be getting rid of the hot flavor by removing the seeds
Plus sometimes seeds tend to taste a little bitter. Leaving them in could mean your spicy hot recipe doesn’t quite have the flavor you desire. Dried chili pepper seeds also don’t always go well with certain foods. Sometimes when you make a sauce, mixing in the pepper seeds throws off the consistency. If you’re convinced your peppers don’t need the seeds, you can try taking them out before cooking.
It's easiest to cut off the top of the pepper, then insert a tiny spoon.
Use it to scrape out the white membrane, then twist it around inside to catch the seeds. Just dump them out when you’re finished. Some of the most common dried chiles on the market are chipotle peppers, mulatos, ancho peppers and dried guajillo peppers. Dried chili peppers are often used to make things like mole sauce and marinades.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for “neutralizing” the spice of spicy foods]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/tips-for-neutralizing-the-spice-of-spicy-foods</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[capsaicin burn, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot Sauce, Scoville scale]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:25:52 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/tips-for-neutralizing-the-spice-of-spicy-foods-254875.jpg?v=1662582906</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Spicy food oftentimes isn’t for the faint of heart.
Some of the hottest peppers on the planet are packed with capsaicin, and that means an extra dose of heat. Sure, eating spicy food delivers a bit of a thrill, but sometimes the heat can be a bit overwhelming. That’s when you might want to think about curbing the burn, or even “neutralizing” it.
You’ve probably heard a glass of milk is a good thing to have on hand when you eat spicy food.
Dairy products like ice cream and sour cream can be used in a pinch. Other people find solutions in terms of acidic drinks or carbs. Some people swear by the effectiveness of chocolate milk, while others say it’s good to grab some lemons when the heat gets to be too much. On the other hand, there’s a lesser-known solution to “neutralizing” the heat of hot peppers and spicy foods without giving up the extra flavor of climbing your way up the Scoville Scale. For those who don’t like milk or can’t have it for health reasons, there’s the option to use peanut butter.
It won’t help those with peanut allergies, but peanut butter can be used to help coat your tongue when eating spicy food.
Remember, capsaicin dissolves in oil and fat, not water. That’s why a big cup of water won’t do anything to help quench the fire in your mouth. But as for peanut butter, you can just keep it in your pantry until the next time you need it. A previously opened jar of peanut butter can stay relatively fresh for months on end. Another good thing about peanut butter is that its full of good fats, it’s a good source of fiber, and it’s a good source of protein. So, don’t worry about giving up on spicy food, just be sure to have a little something on hand to help put out the fire.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fight off garden pests with pepper]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/fight-off-garden-pests-with-pepper</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chili pepper birdseed, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, Pepper Extract, pepper spray]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/fight-off-garden-pests-with-pepper-172746.jpg?v=1662582920</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’re having a hard time in the fight against garden pests, you may want to try using pepper.
Some say this common and inexpensive kitchen staple is a good deterrent for pests that like to cause havoc on home gardens. Black pepper acts as a plant’s natural antibacterial agent. It may be a spice, but it can also be used as an insecticide. If you mix in black pepper with your garden soil, it can reportedly help prevent ants. It seems the smell of peppers is sometimes just enough to irritate ants so that they leave your plants alone.  
Because of its aromatic properties...
You can usually safely mix black pepper powder and water in a spray bottle and spray in on your garden to treat fungus infestations, too. Other garden experts recommend using ground red pepper on your garden. It can reportedly help keep flying insects away that like to feast on fruit, flowers, and leaves. It’s said you can also sprinkle ground red pepper, or rather cayenne pepper, around the base of plants to keep crawling pests away. Sure, many people love to work their way up the heat scale, but peppers don’t always have the same enjoyment level for insects and animals.
Red pepper is sometimes used to repel rodents, as well as other unwanted wildlife in your garden, like deer, skunks, and rabbits.
While many humans love the taste of hot peppers, it seems certain animals aren’t too keen on the taste or the smell. The capsaicin in pepper spray often irritates animals enough that they leave your plants alone and go searching for a meal somewhere else. If you want to make your own red pepper spray, all you need is chopped up red chili peppers and water. Put in it a blender, strain it, then pour it in a spray bottle. Just be sure you don’t accidentally spray it in your own eyes.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Peppers for your Home Garden]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-best-peppers-for-your-home-garden</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Cayenne Pepper, chili pepper seeds, growing peppers, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2022 04:30:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-best-peppers-for-your-home-garden-887379.jpg?v=1662582912</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you just can’t get enough of hot peppers, why not try growing some at home.
You can grow them from seed starting indoors in the winter, or you can buy some pepper plants and put them in the ground after the final frost of spring. Peppers need a lot of sunlight, but it’s possible to grow them in containers as well as raised beds.
Paprika peppers
Paprika peppers are mild and sweet. They can grow up to about three feet tall, or you can choose a smaller plant and grow it in a container. Usually a paprika is dried, then used to make a powder.
Jalapeno peppers
Jalapenos are well known, plus they’re easy to grow. They vary in heat. Typically, you harvest them when they’re green, but if you want a sweeter and milder jalapeno pepper you can wait until they turn red. They also work well if you want to grow your peppers in containers.
Hatch chile peppers
Hatch chile peppers are famous in New Mexico, but they can grow in other places too. They range on the Scoville Scale from relatively mild to about 10,000 SHU. The great thing about hatch chile peppers is that you can eat them fresh from your garden, roast them, or wait until then turn red and turn them into an enchilada sauce.
Cayenne peppers
Cayenne pepper plants don’t get very tall, plus they also grow well in containers. They mature about 70 days after you plant them.
Scotch bonnet peppers
If you want to turn up the heat, try growing scotch bonnet peppers. They grow on fairly small plants, so they also work well if you want to use containers. The great thing about the scotch bonnet is that its plants are high yielding. You don’t have to grow very many to end up with lots of peppers. 

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why certain foods sometimes give us the hiccups]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/why-certain-foods-sometimes-give-us-the-hiccups</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[hiccups, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, pepper heat, spicy food]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/why-certain-foods-sometimes-give-us-the-hiccups-701832.jpg?v=1659044401</sr:image><description><![CDATA[We all get the hiccups from time to time, but do you ever wonder why?
Sometimes it’s easy to figure out, especially if you just ate or drank something too quickly. It’s possible you could get the hiccups after eating spicy food or after a large meal of something like bread or pasta. It’s also possible to get the hiccups from drinking something carbonated, like soda. Some experts say it happens because the food or drink you’ve just consumed has triggered your diaphragm.
Usually, your diaphragm helps your lungs breathe in and out.
When your diaphragm spasms or twitches, it makes you hiccup. That’s because the spasm has sent a message on to your brain, which then ends up sending a message on to your throat. The message is for your body to close its vocal cords, which are, of course, responsible for speech. When the vocal cords close, we start making the hiccup sound. Usually, the hiccups tend to go away once your diaphragm stops responding to what you last drank or ate, which again, could include spicy food. 
The good news is hiccups aren’t usually long-lasting, and they only usually happen every so often.
If it’s making you too uncomfortable, you can always try fighting back against the hiccups with one of those old home remedies, like swallowing a spoonful of sugar, breathing into a paper bag, or even having someone surprise you enough to “scare” the hiccups away. There’s no reason to give up the food you enjoy the most. Again, hiccups aren’t usually a daily occurrence, so don’t worry about giving up all the flavors you love. After all, when it comes to spicy foods, there’s an entire heat scale to explore, from mild peppers to some that are so hot they make you break out in a sweat.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Decoding the Scoville Scale]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/decoding-the-scoville-scale</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[1.6 million Scoville, hot chile peppers, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, scoville heat scale]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:30:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/decoding-the-scoville-scale-928348.jpg?v=1659044410</sr:image><description><![CDATA[It’s possible you’ve heard of the Scoville Scale, but do you know what it means?
For hot pepper lovers it’s the key to deciding which flavors you want to try, and perhaps even which flavors you need to work your way up to. Essentially, the Scoville Scale was originally developed as a way to measure the heat of hot peppers based on their spice. Capsaicin, of course, is the compound found in hot peppers that naturally makes them so hot. The scale was developed in the early 1900s by a man named Wilbur Scoville. He used real people to sample sugar water and ground pepper, gradually diluting it along the way until participants could no longer taste heat.
Sure, the old way was subjective
But it resulted in what we still call Scoville Heat Units, or rather SHUs. Things have changed a bit over the past 100 years or so, but other things have stayed the same. Now, instead of using people to do the test, capsaicin levels are measured by machines, then the results are converted into SHUs. To put the heat scale in perspective, a bell pepper has zero SHU so it’s at the very bottom of the scale. On the other hand, pure capsaicin is at the very top with 16 million SHU. Everything else falls somewhere in the middle.
If you like jalapenos, it’s interesting to note they rank pretty low on the scale
It goes up from there. In fact, some of the hottest peppers on the planet are essentially hundreds of times spicier than the average jalapeno. A red habanero pepper falls somewhere in the range of 100,000 to 325,000 SHU. A Carolina Reaper is somewhere in the range of 1.5 to 2.2 million, but don’t be fooled by the number compared to pure capsaicin. The Carolina Reaper is extremely hot, and a few years ago was declared the world’s hottest chili pepper.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to do, and not to do, when you eat a hot pepper]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/what-to-do-and-not-to-do-when-you-eat-a-hot-pepper</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[capsaicin burn, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, pepper heat]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:30:05 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/what-to-do-and-not-to-do-when-you-eat-a-hot-pepper-820914.jpg?v=1659044396</sr:image><description><![CDATA[There are all kinds of hot food competitions and challenges out there
From festivals to on-line matches and spicy food shows. Episodes of the “Hot Ones” on YouTube are easily entertaining, especially if you’re not the one in the hot seat taking the spicy challenge. People are even uploading their own pepper mishaps on TikTok, such is the case of one young boy from North Carolina. In the widely viewed clip, the boy takes a big bite out of a green chili pepper, only to break out in tears and ask his dad to call 911. According to the dad, he’s now fine and ready to take on the “next challenge”.
Anyone who’s ever bitten into a super-hot pepper, though, can probably sympathize with the child.
Some peppers are so hot they can actually make you start sweating and even tear up. It’s always good to know what type of pepper it is before you take that first bite. If you know this, you can check the Scoville Scale to get an idea of how hot it is beforehand. Unlike the young boy in the video, you don’t want to try and cool off with a big cup of water. Unfortunately, water usually just makes it worse. The same goes for taking a drink of alcohol. Instead, many experts recommend having a glass of milk on hand.
Milk contains casein, which helps break down the capsaicin, which is of course the hot part of peppers.
Similarly to how soap washes grease away, casein helps wash away capsaicin molecules, and in turn, alleviates some of the burning sensation. If you don’t have any milk on hand, you can try using other dairy products like ice cream or sour cream. Although they don’t work as well as milk, sugar or bread may also help in a pinch.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Simple anti-inflammatory summer dishes]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/simple-anti-inflammatory-summer-dishes</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[5 million, chicken parm, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2022 19:21:10 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/simple-anti-inflammatory-summer-dishes-750944.jpg?v=1657230818</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’re tired of making the same old thing for dinner, you may want to try a simple summertime recipe that’s also anti-inflammatory.
Not only do some of these meals taste great, and potentially register on the heat scale, but they’re also easy to prepare and they’re good for you, too.
Quinoa &amp; Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers
If you love the taste of Chicken Parmesan, consider making chicken and quinoa stuffed peppers. You’ll need large red bell peppers, filled with a mixture of shredded cooked chicken breast, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, quinoa, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle the peppers with mozzarella cheese and basil. In total, the meal takes about an hour to complete, but you can always prep the day before to cut time.
Hummus plate
For a flavorful hummus plate, grab some mini bell peppers, some green beans or sugar snap peas, some white bean dip and some Castelvetrano olives. You’ll also want to use crackers, roasted pepitas, red grapes, cubed watermelon, and coconut-date balls. In this case, you don’t have to cook at all. Just assemble everything on small plates or a large platter.
Quinoa chickpea salad with roasted red pepper hummus dressing
Try using a roasted pepper dressing to help bring more flavor to a quinoa chickpea salad. To make the dressing, use some chopped roasted red pepper for flavoring, and add it to hummus and lemon juice. You’ll then want to thin it down with water to the right consistency for a dressing. Drizzle the mixture on a salad of chickpeas, cooked quinoa, mixed greens, and unsalted sunflower seeds.
Veggie &amp; hummus sandwich
You don’t have to heat up the oven to make a veggie and hummus sandwich, either. Take a sliced red bell pepper and some mixed greens, a shredded carrot, and a sliced cucumber. Add it to some mashed avocado and some hummus on whole grain bread. It’s a quick summertime meal that hits just the right spot when the weather warms up.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Decoding the spicy food high]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/decoding-the-spicy-food-high</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[endorphin rush, Love Spicy Food, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, natural high]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2022 16:30:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/decoding-the-spicy-food-high-143712.jpg?v=1657207899</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Some people are serious about getting their spicy food fix.
It’s not surprising that you’ll find certain people willing and able to keep pushing their love of hot peppers to higher and higher levels on the Scoville Scale. While some people say they do it for the flavor and for the bragging rights, others point to the spicy food high. That’s because some people claim it’s possible to feel a sort of high from eating spicy food, including hot chili peppers. That high is actually related to pain.
When you eat hot peppers and hot pepper-related products, you oftentimes start feeling a burning sensation.
That’s the capsaicin in the hot peppers triggering pain receptors in your mouth. When your body starts feeling what it perceives as pain, it reacts by releasing endorphins. Those endorphins help block your nerves from actually transmitting the pain signals on to your brain. Endorphins aren’t the only thing your body releases. You also start releasing dopamine, which is a type of chemical commonly associated with something pleasurable. When you combine endorphins and dopamine, you end up with an almost giddy, euphoric feeling.
That could explain why some people are willing to take hot pepper eating to the extreme.
It’s not hard to find videos out there, like episodes of Hot Ones, where people are more than willing to try some of the hottest food and hottest hot sauce on the planet. You’ve probably also at least heard of some of those chili pepper eating contests where people push themselves to the extreme, sometimes for a prize, and sometimes just for the bragging rights. No matter where you own taste buds put you on the heat scale, for some there’s simply no limit when it comes to eating hot peppers and enjoying the spicy food high.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Love spicy food? Know the Pros & Cons]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/love-spicy-food-know-the-pros-cons</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Chili Addiction, Health Benefits, healthy eating, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2022 15:44:24 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/love-spicy-food-know-the-pros-cons-508314.jpg?v=1657230822</sr:image><description><![CDATA[It’s no secret that some people love spicy food, and for good reason.
After all, there are plenty of things to love about spicy food. In some parts of the world, the hotter the better. You’ll find people all over the world love eating fresh hot peppers, dried peppers, and hot sauce. In some Mexican markets, it’s not uncommon to find more than 100 different varieties of peppers for sale. Some are mild, some are hot, and some are earth shattering hot. The Scoville Scale ranks peppers based on their pungency against pure capsaicin. Several hot peppers rank above one million Scoville Heat Units, which to put it in perspective is extremely hot!
Of course, like anything, there are pros and cons to consuming hot peppers.
To start with, some peppers are so hot they can actually give people hallucinations. Most people, however, start to feel a burning sensation on the tongue first. You may also feel your forehead start sweating and even your eyes tearing up. Depending on your heat tolerance, that burning sensation could be perceived as a positive. Hot pepper lovers maintain the burn can sometimes turn into a pleasant experience. That’s because the heat triggers your nerves to tell your brain to start releasing endorphin, which is a natural painkiller. Some describe that release as an enjoyable experience.
There are other times you really want a hot pepper fix, but you also need something to put out the “fire”.
Water won’t do the trick. Instead, go for a glass of milk. If nothing else, dry bread can sometimes help. If you’ve ever handled peppers, you know you can sometimes burn your skin with peppers, too. To compensate, try wearing gloves. If you’ve already burned your skin, you can always try rubbing your hands with sugar or soapy water. You may still have to deal with the “con”, but the “pro” is you’re able to get your hot pepper fix.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Need a late-night snack? Here’s what to avoid]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/need-a-late-night-snack-here-s-what-to-avoid</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[appetizers, Health Benefits, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, snack foods]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2022 06:00:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/need-a-late-night-snack-heres-what-to-avoid-122165.jpg?v=1657230827</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever found yourself tossing and turning at night, or dealing with indigestion, it could be related to those late-night snacks.
Sure, it may sound like a good idea to curb your hunger pains until the morning hours, but late-night snacking isn’t always the smartest thing to do. That’s because eating certain foods too late at night can mess with your sleep, or sometimes make you suffer from something even worse than hunger.
Unfortunately, spicy food falls into one of those categories.
That’s why it’s something you may want to snack on earlier in the night. Eating too much spicy food, especially late at night, can sometimes give you stomach problems. Eating spicy food, like hot peppers, can also produce heat in your body. For those reasons, you may want to get your spicy food fix earlier in the evening. Of course, hot peppers are full of health benefits, so be sure and plan out your spicy meals and snacks so you don’t end up eating them right before bedtime. Remember, there are all kinds of varieties of peppers out there to try, with varying degrees of heat on the hot pepper scale.
A couple of other things could also make you feel sick to your stomach late at night.
Citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons, can sometimes give you gas or indigestion if you consume them too late in the evening. Eating tomatoes right before bedtime can also lead to gas acidity. That’s a good reason why you may want to reserve tomatoes for a time earlier in the evening. One more food choice to avoid late at night is dark chocolate. Your stomach may be fine, but dark chocolate can make your mind more active. This, in turn, makes it more difficult to fall asleep at night.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is it possible to get spice drunk?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/is-it-possible-to-get-spice-drunk</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/is-it-possible-to-get-spice-drunk-175403.jpg?v=1657207908</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Some people just can’t seem to get enough of spicy food and hot peppers.
While you might be able to argue spicy food really takes the flavor of mealtime up a notch, the hot pepper scale isn’t for everyone. Sadly, some people shy away from super-hot peppers and never even get the chance to feel the burn. For those on the opposite end of the spectrum, there may be a good reason why they tend to seek out the sometimes painful result of consuming fiery hot peppers that rank high on the Scoville Scale.
Some refer to it as being spice drunk.
You may not have heard that one before, but you’ve probably heard people refer to a similar feeling as a runner’s high. It happens after completing a long period of aerobic exercise, which is followed by a feeling of euphoria. It’s somewhat similar to being spice drunk. When you eat capsaicin, which is the spicy hot compound naturally found in hot peppers, you start feeling a burning sensation in your mouth. Your pain receptors recognize the burn and tell your body to release endorphins. You also start releasing dopamine. Together, the two give you a “spice drunk” felling. Sure, there’s some pain, but there’s also some pleasure derived from the pain. That feeling may be what drives some people to work through the burning pain and try out hotter and hotter peppers.
Luckily, there are plenty of great options for pepper lovers.
Whether you’re ready to try out one of the scorching hot peppers on the hot pepper scale, or you need to start a bit lower on the scale, there’s virtually no limit. You can try fresh peppers, dried peppers, or any one of the hot pepper products out there to get your hot pepper fix whenever you get the craving.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Mad Dog Independence Day Menu]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/a-mad-dog-independence-day-menu-1</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[sandwich]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/a-mad-dog-independence-day-menu-981004.jpg?v=1622575446</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Looking forward to the 4th of July?
We are too! And we’ve got the best damn recipes to make this Independence Day the most delicious one yet. From crave-worthy sandwiches to super meaty mains, the one thing each one of these super spicy recipes has in common is the Mad Dog hot sauces, pepper powders, extracts and pepper purees. Seriously, these scorching recipes will get the party started long before the fireworks start.
 
Dig in to find your favorites and then get cooking.

Slider Sandwiches to Feed a Small Crowd•    Wicked Wing Slider Sandwiches made with Pure Gold•    Sizzling Sausage and Cheese Sliders made with Pure Gold•    Roasting Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches made with Pure GoldScoville-Laden Dips to Elevate Your Chips•    Super Scoville Bacon Cheese Dip made with Mad Dog Eco 1 Million Scoville Extract•    Morich Spinach and Artichoke Dip made with Naga Morich Pepper Puree•    Super Easy Fiery Salsa made with Mad Dog 357 Original Hot SauceSnacks You’ll Never Be Able to Escape•    Wicked Bloody Mary Wings made with Mad Dog Ghost Pepper Extract Tequila Edition•    No Escape Pigs in a Blanket made with No Escape Pain on a Chain Pepper Powder•    Habanero and Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms made with Habanero Pepper Puree•    Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with Scorpion Mustard Sauce made with Scorpion Hot Sauce•    Maddeningly Hot Deviled Eggs made with Mad Dog 357 Silver Edition Hot SauceA Super Meaty Main Event•    Habanero Cheese Sauce Burgers made with Habanero Pepper Puree•    BBQed Steaks with an Unforgettable Sriracha Sauce made with Reaper Sriracha Hot Sauce•    Beer and Reaper BBQ Braised Ribs made with Reaper Sriracha Hot Sauce•    Magnificently Mad Cheeseburger made with Mad Dog 357 Silver Edition Hot SauceSalads and Sides That’ll Please Everyone•    Mad Dog Inferno Grilled Corn made with Mad Dog 357 Original•    Mad Dog Stuffed Avocados with Spicy Greek Yogurt Sauce made with Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition•    Blistering Baked Beans made with Mad Dog 357 Silver Edition Hot Sauce•    Scary Artichoke Salsa made with Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce•    Reaper Sriracha Bacon Potato Salad made with Reaper Sriracha Hot Sauce•    Sweet and Spicy Goldslaw made with Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot SauceAnd, if you’re serving any sort of burger or dog from your grill, you don’t want to forget Mad Dog’s Fiery Pickle Relish, filled with Mad Dog 357 Silver Edition Hot Sauce. And, don’t forget about our Mad Dog Margaritas. The Mad Dog Ghost Pepper Extract Tequila Edition that fuels this drink will carry you through the entire celebration. Live life to the hottest – get more Mad Dog today.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Non-alcoholic drinks that are high on flavor and spice]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/non-alcoholic-drinks-that-are-high-on-flavor-and-spice</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[hot and spicy, hot pepper smoothie, Mad Dog Ghost Pepper Tequila Extract]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:30:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/non-alcoholic-drinks-that-are-high-on-flavor-and-spice-916068.jpg?v=1655865620</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Hot peppers are a great addition to many types of food
But have you ever heard of adding some extra heat to your drink? There are some interesting concoctions on the market that mix the heat commonly found in hot peppers with liquid refreshment.
SpritzIsh
One of them is called SpritzIsh. It comes from Ish, a Danish company that makes alcohol alternatives like canned cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic wines. The drink has a somewhat bitter citrus flavor thanks to some of its ingredients, including mandarins, lemons, and oranges. It also, however, brings in the flavoring of capsicum extract. It delivers a spicy hit of flavor you probably aren’t expecting in a drink. SpritzIsh also contains cinnamon and a plant called quassia.
GinIsh
The same company also makes something called GinIsh. Like SpritzIsh, GinIsh also contains capsicum extract. You may be able to make out some of the citrus flavoring and the juniper berries. The drink is non-alcoholic, but it delivers what the company describes as a classic gin flavor.
The Saskatoon
If that’s not your idea of refreshing, you can try a bottled cocktail that reportedly comes with a black pepper kick. The Saskatoon is made by a company called For Bitter For Worse. The cocktail gets its names from saskatoon berries, which look similar to blueberries but have almost a nutty flavor. The drink also contains things like apple cider vinegar, bitter orange peel, rhubarb root, and perhaps even more interesting, foraged Douglas fir needles.
Make your own
If you don’t find exactly what you want already on the market, you can try spicing up your own non-alcoholic cocktail with something from the hot pepper scale. People often use a dash of hot sauce to give their drinks more flavor. If you want the burning sensation of alcohol, without the alcohol, you can infuse your drink with jalapenos or cayenne peppers,]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Connection Between Chili Peppers & Better Heart Health]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-connection-between-chili-peppers-better-heart-health</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Health Benefits, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce, pepper scoville scale]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-connection-between-chili-peppers-better-heart-health-887287.jpg?v=1646691165</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Sure, chili peppers taste great
But it turns out eating hot peppers can also help your heart. That’s because chili peppers seem to have a connection to better heart health. That’s, of course, good news for your future health. It comes from a recent study in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. The study found a link between eating chili peppers on a regular basis and the significant decrease in all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer-related deaths.
The data used in the study represented 570,000 people.
Analysts found eating hot peppers reduced the relative risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 26-percent. They also found 23-percent fewer cancer deaths with people who ate chili peppers compared to those who either rarely ate chili peppers, or never ate chili peppers at all. Researchers credit many of the health benefits to capsaicin. That’s the compound found in hot peppers. Capsaicin produces heat, plus it may also help reduce inflammation, help regulate blood sugar and block tumor growth.
While that’s great news for your future health
It doesn’t mean you can start out at the top of the pepper scale and immediately get results. When it comes to chili peppers, you’ll probably want to start on the lower end of the scale with a milder pepper, then work your way up the Scoville chart. One mild pepper to try is the Anaheim. It’s not zero on the scale like a bell pepper, but it’s still relatively tame. The highest concentration of capsaicin is in the seeds, so you can try taking out the seeds to begin with, then slowly increasing your heat exposure over time. While you won’t get all the health benefits right away, it does give your tongue’s pain receptors a chance to get used to the spice before you start laying on the heat. Starting slowly also gives you a chance to enjoy the unique flavors of each and every pepper.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[How spicy is that hot pepper?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/how-spicy-is-that-hot-pepper</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Carolina Reaper, Mad Dog 357 Revenge Habanero and Pepper Extract, scoville heat scale]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2022 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/how-spicy-is-that-hot-pepper-919913.jpg?v=1646691197</sr:image><description><![CDATA[There are thousands of hot peppers in the world
But how do you know which pepper is right for you? You can’t typically just look at a pepper and know how hot it is. You can try slicing it open and using your sense of smell. Sometimes, you can pick up the pungency of a pepper through your nose. Of course, there’s probably a better way. You can always check your pepper on the Scoville Chart. The hot pepper scale ranks different varieties of peppers based on their Scoville Heat Units, or SHUs. The higher the number, the hotter the pepper.
Green peppers don’t even register on the heat scale
But color doesn’t always tell the whole story. While the bell pepper is often green, you can also find it in yellow, orange or even red. A deep green poblano pepper is relatively mild, but it doesn’t stay that color. An Anaheim pepper, or hatch pepper, is usually light green. Habanero peppers are sweet and fruity, but they also pack some real spice! In other words, don’t be deceived by what they look like. While a mild habanero doesn’t rank very high on the Scoville pepper scale at all, ghost peppers and Carolina Reaper peppers pack quite a punch!
Grocery stores don’t always carry a very large selection of peppers.
Typically, they sell some of the most common, mild peppers that people use. If you’re feeling adventurous, go beyond the grocery store for your hot peppers and hot pepper products. You can also try growing your own peppers at home. Some people grow peppers in small quantities inside. Just make sure you have enough light. You can also try growing them in your home garden. Even the ones you don’t eat yourself can be crushed up and used to keep pests away from your other plants and veggies.  


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spicy Food in Your Eye? Here’s an Easy Fix]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/spicy-food-in-your-eye-here-s-an-easy-fix</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot Sauce, pepper spray, scoville scale peppers, super hot peppers]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 May 2022 07:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/spicy-food-in-your-eye-heres-an-easy-fix-265518.jpg?v=1646691188</sr:image><description><![CDATA[We’ve probably all been there at least once.
You get something in your eye, and it immediately starts burning. If it’s a splash of spicy pepper, you’ll probably never forget the pain. Even a tiny bit of pepper juice, especially from peppers high on the heat scale, can seriously burn! Certain spices and seasonings can also leave a mark. Luckily, if you’re ever caught in this situation, there’s an easy fix. 
Let’s start with what NOT to do.
Don’t ever try and flush pepper juice out of your eye with water. Sure, it probably works for other things, but when it comes to hot peppers, water could make the problem much worse. That’s because hot peppers contain capsaicin. The spicy compound isn’t water soluble. That means splashing water on your eye not only won’t help, it could make the problem worse by spreading the spicy heat to the rest of your eye. Instead, grab a glass of milk. It sounds a little crazy, but the method is similar to downing a glass of milk after eating something hot. Again, capsaicin isn’t water soluble, but it is fat-soluble.
Downing a glass of milk...
After eating something scorching hot can help your burning mouth, but milk can also help if you get something spicy hot in your eye. You don’t want to splash an entire  gallon of milk across your face. Instead, grab a cotton ball and soak it in some cold milk. Then, put that cotton ball over your eye. If you don’t have a cotton ball, you can use a paper towel. Soak it in milk, lie down, and put it over your eye. Once the milk contacts the spicy hot compound, it helps neutralize it and lessens your pain. Of course, if the problem gets worse or doesn’t go away, you’ll probably want to check with your doctor.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Low Calorie, High-Fiber Dinners with Extra Spice]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/low-calorie-high-fiber-dinners-with-extra-spice</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Chili Addiction, Mad Dog 357 Hot Sauce, Recipes, sweet potato soup]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2022 07:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/low-calorie-high-fiber-dinners-with-extra-spice-252915.jpg?v=1646691176</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’re looking for a meal that won’t break your diet.
You may want to try making something delicious, that’s also high in fiber and low in calories. Several recipes take ground beef to the next level. Not only will these dinner selections help keep your nutritional levels in check, but with some extra spice, they taste pretty good, too.                                                                                                        
Chili con carne
For a hearty meal that’s also good for you, try chili con carne with ground beef. Make it extra spicy with chili powder, fresh poblano peppers and chipotles in adobo. If you can’t find the fresh poblanos you can sub out some bell peppers, but you won’t get the same level of heat because bell peppers don’t register on the hot pepper scale. For an even healthier meal, try using lean ground beef.
Sweet potatoes topped with chili
Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients. For a healthier alternative to a cold winter staple, try topping the sweet potatoes with chili, then sprinkle on some sliced jalapenos. It brings an extra dose of flavor to something that’s sometimes ordinary
Chipotle chili 
For a smokier tasting chili, try making chipotle chili. This chili uses lean ground beef, red kidney beans and a small, chopped sweet pepper. A teaspoon or so of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce helps give it that extra kick.
Stuffed pepper soup
You’ve heard of stuffed peppers, but you can create a similar taste much easier when you make a pot of stuffed pepper soup. You’ll want to use lean ground beef, brown rice and low-sodium chicken broth. An onion, three bell peppers and a poblano pepper help make it flavorful.
Cincinnati Chili
With Cincinnati chili, you serve it up over spaghetti noodles. Again, use lean ground beef and some chili powder. For more fiber in your dish, try adding a can of kidney beans.


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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Date Foods to Avoid]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/first-date-foods-to-avoid</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chicken wings, curry, dinner, home cooking]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2022 07:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/first-date-foods-to-avoid-660287.jpg?v=1646691183</sr:image><description><![CDATA[When it comes to food, you probably have your favorites
But there are certain types of food you may want to stay away from on a first date. While some people point to messy cuisine, certain types of food may simply be too hot to handle! The ranking comes from a poll of 2,000 adults in Britain. In all, people in the study ranked 20 different food items, with suggestions on avoiding them on a first date.
At the very top of the list
Was spicy curry. Sure, it makes sense for spicy food lovers to get their fix anytime they can, but at least 2,000 people say a first date is not the right time to indulge in extra spice. You can try out the heat scale anytime you want, but perhaps not on the first date with a person you’re still trying to impress. Other top foods they suggest you avoid on a first date include spaghetti, ribs, corn on the cob and oysters. As for some other traditionally spicy options you may want to cross off the list, the ranking included things like chicken wings, fajitas, burritos and tacos. Of course, all of these foods can potentially be pretty messy to eat, which is another good reason to avoid them.
So, what should you reach for instead?
Those surveyed suggest ordering something like chicken and rice instead of spaghetti. On the other hand, if you make it to, say, a third date, all bets are off. By now you may be ready to expand your food choices a bit. Nearly half of those involved in the survey said they’d enjoy someone cooking for them. You don’t even have to know how to cook at all. One in ten people involved in the survey admit they’ve purchased takeout food and served it to their date as a home-cooked meal.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[More People Reaching for Hot Sauce and Spicy Snacks]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/more-people-reaching-for-hot-sauce-and-spicy-snacks</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[hot and spicy, Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition Hot Sauce, party snacks]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/more-people-reaching-for-hot-sauce-and-spicy-snacks-346177.jpg?v=1646691150</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you feel like you’re always trying to spice up snack time, you’re probably not alone.
New research shows more and more people are reaching for hot sauce and spicy snacks. According to a recent Instacart survey of more than 2,000 adults in the US, about 74-percent admit to topping off their food with hot sauce. Almost half of them say they use it at least once a week. Because most people have their favorite brands, Instagram looked at its own purchase data and came up with the most frequently purchased hot sauce in every state. The survey found about 67-percent of people are loyal to their favorite brands.
Still, there are some brands of hot sauce that are gaining in popularity right now
As they bring in more flavor, and sometimes a greater standing on the Scoville Scale. The Food Institute recently analyzed IRI data, and found over the past year or so, grocery store hot sauce/Cajun sauce sales were up by more than five-percent. When just looking at about a year of grocery store sales, it came close to $790-million worth of hot sauce. If that sounds like a lot, it is! About a year earlier, Instacart customers purchased more than 444,000 gallons of hot sauce.
Sales are flaming hot, but hot sauce isn’t the only thing spicy food lovers are snapping up.
Major snack food companies say they’re also seeing a boost in sales for spicy, salty snacks. Take a stroll down any grocery store snack aisle and you’ll probably see some spicy variations of some of your favorites. Ruffles brand potato chips now come in flavors like “Flamin’ Hot”, “Flamin’ Hot Cheddar &amp; Sour Cream”, “Flamin’ Hot BBQ” and “Jalapeno Ranch”. You can also grab a bag of Doritos “Flamas”, “Flamin’ Hot Nacho”, or even “XXTRA Flamin’ Hot Nacho” chips. According to the company, “Flamin’ Hot” Cheetos are extremely hot right now, especially with Gen Z.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The health benefits of spicy foods]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-health-benefits-of-spicy-foods</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chili health benefits, hot sauce diet, live longer]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-health-benefits-of-spicy-foods-600611.jpg?v=1644280090</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you just can’t get enough of eating spicy foods...
You may be doing more than just adding a little extra flavor to mealtime. Taking a trip up the hot pepper scale certainly makes eating more exciting, but it turns out spicy food can also do a body good. There are several key health benefits to adding some extra spice to your diet, but to keep it simple we’ve boiled it down to four of the top health benefits of eating more spicy food.
Kills off harmful bacteria
To begin with, some research shows eating more spicy food can help kill off harmful bacteria in your body. Specifically, turmeric and cumin have powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Metabolism boost

If you want to increase your metabolism and curb hunger, try eating more spicy food. Other research shows eating peppers, chilis, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin can slow down your appetite and increase your metabolic resting rate.
Reducing inflammation
Curcumin in turmeric may also help your body reduce inflammation. Products like garlic and ginger have been used successfully in the past to help with things like the common cold, autoimmune disorders and arthritis.
Increased longevity
Eating more spicy foods could also help you live longer. A few years ago, a study found people who ate spicy food at least once a day, six or seven days a week, had a lower mortality rate.While that’s certainly a great list of health benefits, there are other advantages to eating spicy food, and researchers are consistently coming up with new reasons to support turning up the spice. If you want to add more spicy foods, you can head to your spice cabinet, use raw peppers or use any one of the many hot pepper products out there. How adventurous you are on the spice scale is entirely up to you and your taste buds.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The possible connection between chili peppers and reduced mortality]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-possible-connection-between-chili-peppers-and-reduced-mortality</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Cancer fighter, chili health, Health Benefits, healthy weight loss]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-possible-connection-between-chili-peppers-and-reduced-mortality-467340.jpg?v=1644265279</sr:image><description><![CDATA[New research suggests...
Eating chili peppers may just help you prolong your life when it comes to fighting off certain major health problems. The study found a possible connection between chili peppers and lower all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular-related mortality. Findings from the research were recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Scientists involved in a series of studies found regularly eating chili peppers seemed to significantly lower these specific types of mortality.
Other studies...
Have already laid out the framework for the connection between chili peppers and reduced all-cause mortality. They credit the capsaicin found in chili peppers, or rather the compound in the peppers that makes them so hot. Doctors say capsaicin potentially has some heart protective effects. It also seems to help with weight reduction, and it may have some anti-tumor producing effects. In the four studies profiled from around the world, researchers found a link between a higher consumption of chili peppers and a reduction in the risk of cancer-related, cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality.
While the research is encouraging
Scientists maintain there wasn’t enough data to come up with a recommendation of how much, or how many, chili peppers people would need to consume. Researchers say they need more studies to understand the possible health benefits of chili peppers, as well as to better understand the amount, frequency and type of chili peppers needed to produce optimal results. Still, the findings could be progress. At the minimum, it’s another reminder that chili peppers are already packed with health benefits, and the list of health benefits could likely get even longer in the future. That’s, of course, good news if you enjoy the taste of chili peppers on the hot pepper scale. Not only do you get the extra flavor, but perhaps some extra health benefits, too.



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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The hot pepper scale according to Wilbur Scoville]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-hot-pepper-scale-according-to-wilbur-scoville</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Carolina Reaper, scoville heat scale, super hot sauces]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 02 Apr 2022 05:30:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-hot-pepper-scale-according-to-wilbur-scoville-855181.jpg?v=1644280102</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you love peppers, you may also know, at least a little, about the Scoville Scale.
Essentially, that’s the scale that gives a ranking to hot peppers, from top to bottom. While some peppers are extremely hot, others don’t even make much of a showing at all on the list. But how did the Scoville Scale come about? It’s all thanks to a man by the name of Wilbur Scoville.
Scoville was a chemist, a researcher and a professor.
Born in the mid 1800s, Scoville was one of the very first to mention in a book that milk could be used to help combat the heat of a hot pepper. Pepper lovers, however, also know his name for something else. He was the person who came up with a way to measure the pungency of peppers and rank them on a pepper heat scale. That’s why the pepper scale, to this day, is named after him and still widely called the Scoville Scale. The Scoville chart helps standardize the hotness of peppers by recording each pepper based on its Scoville Heat Units, or SHU.
Once the peppers have a number, they’re ranked on the scale in terms of their heat.
If you’ve ever eaten a raw bell pepper you know there’s no heat at all. That’s why it has a zero on the scale. On the other hand, the Carolina Reaper is scorching hot, and that’s why it’s way up on the top of the scale. Peppers can’t rank higher than pure capsaicin, which is the compound found in hot peppers that makes them so hot. If you’re somewhere between a bell pepper and a Carolina Reaper, you’re in luck! There are plenty of exciting options when it comes to trying out peppers on the spicy scale. Just be warned, some of them are extremely hot!

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The healthy way to kickstart your day]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/the-healthy-way-to-kickstart-your-day</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[breakfast]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Ashley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/the-healthy-way-to-kickstart-your-day-383946.jpg?v=1642705590</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you want to start your day off right, consider adding a little extra kick to your breakfast.
Eggs in the morning are an easy way to get some lean protein in your diet, but you don’t have to stop there. If you sprinkle on some cayenne pepper or a little chili sauce, you’re not only topping off your breakfast with some extra flavor, but you’re also potentially adding in some key health benefits.
 The capsaicin in chili sauce is thermogenic.
In other words, when you consume capsaicin it helps raise your body’s temperature and you expend more energy. It can also help suppress your appetite and make you feel full so you’re less likely to want to overeat. If you’re having a hard time not snacking throughout the day, try topping your morning eggs with cayenne pepper. It can help control your cravings between meals. Not only will you likely not feel hungry, but even a small amount of cayenne pepper mixed in with food can help speed up your metabolism and potentially help with weight loss.
 If your New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, or even just to be a little healthier, this is a good way to help attain your goals without necessarily giving up all the great flavors you love. After all, hot peppers are a great way to add a little kick to any meal, no matter whether you want to lose some weight or not. Luckily, the pepper heat scale is full of plenty of great choices, no matter whether you want to start low on the spice scale or you’re ready and willing to really heat things up. From a splash of hot sauce to extremely hot pepper extracts, it’s easy to put your taste buds to the test, and potentially even give your diet the kick start it needs from morning ‘til night.



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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can cayenne pepper be used in an emergency?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/can-cayenne-pepper-be-used-in-an-emergency</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[cayenne pepper, stop minor bleeding]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Ashley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2022 04:30:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/can-cayenne-pepper-be-used-in-an-emergency-605677.jpg?v=1642705577</sr:image><description><![CDATA[You’ve probably heard before that cayenne pepper is packed with health benefits, but what about using cayenne pepper in an emergency?
Let’s back up here. We know the cayenne pepper is full of nutrients. We also know it may help with your metabolism and potentially weight loss. Researchers have even looked at the role hot peppers play in helping heart health and potentially reducing inflammation. But now some say cayenne pepper may have yet another health benefit.
We’re talking about in an emergency.
 Some claim cayenne pepper can help stop minor bleeding. Say, for example, you accidentally cut your hand while chopping up food. Some reports suggest you can either sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on the wound or soak a bandage in water and pepper powder to help with the bleeding. While some say it helps reduce the pain others say it can help stop the bleeding faster. As for the experts, they’re not so sure. It may not hurt too much for, say a paper cut, but you may not want to rely on it to help if the cut is serious. In that case, it’s probably best to get some real medical help.
 Of course, the real advantage of having cayenne pepper around is to spice up your food with an extra dose of flavor. No matter whether you want to start small or really experiment with the hot flavors of the Scoville Scale, you can’t go wrong when you have some hot pepper products on hand. Use a splash of hot sauce after your meal gets on your plate or add some in while you’re cooking to soak up all the added flavor. When it comes to cayenne pepper, let your own individual taste be the deciding factor. A little goes a long way, but don’t hold back on trying out new flavors at mealtime.



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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Want to boost your metabolism? Try these hacks]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/want-to-boost-your-metabolism-try-these-hacks</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[chili pepper health benefits, healthy weight loss, Mad Dog 357 Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2022 16:33:22 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/want-to-boost-your-metabolism-try-these-hacks-189600.jpg?v=1646691160</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you truly want to boost your metabolism and improve your health
You’ll want to steer clear of any crazy suggestions or fad diets. Instead, try adding some extra flavor to some of your favorite recipes. There’s no quick fix to boosting your metabolism, but there are some hacks to put you on the right track. Herbs and spices are relatively easy to find, as they’re grown throughout the world. You can even grow them in your own garden. People use them to add color and flavor to food without resorting to extra salt, sugar or fat.
There’s another big bonus, too.
Several herbs and spices on the market are packed with health benefits. This includes some that help you burn fat and fight food cravings. That’s because they have a thermogenic effect, which increases metabolism. Some herbs help you feel full, which can help reduce hunger. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, potassium and Vitamin C. Some research suggests the capsaicin naturally found in cayenne pepper produces enough heat to jumpstart your metabolism and help burn fat. Cumin is known to support weight loss by boosting your metabolism, too. It’s often used in curries.
Black pepper is something most of us already have in our kitchen pantry.
The piperine in black pepper can help your body fight the formation of new fat cells. A lesser-known spice called fenugreek may help you reduce food intake and control your appetite. Ginger, on the other hand, can help with metabolic health and weight management. Cinnamon is high in fiber, and can help you feel full, reducing food cravings. As with anything, it’s always good to mix in some diet and exercise. There’s no magic pill that can help you lose weight and keep it off but adding certain herbs and spices, especially some that register on the spicy scale, may just help.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Home remedies that help combat acidity]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/home-remedies-that-help-combat-acidity</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[crave hot sauce, Love Spicy Food, Mad Dog 357 Original Hot Sauce]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2022 21:30:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/home-remedies-that-help-combat-acidity-590627.jpg?v=1642370478</sr:image><description><![CDATA[You may think there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing...
But sometimes your body doesn’t always agree with what your mind’s telling you. Take spicy food. Sure, the extra spice tastes great, but sometimes when you go overboard on extra spicy food or sugary and salty snacks, you end up dealing with the problem of acidity. Your stomach’s gastric glands produce acid, which you need for digestion. When there’s too much acidity, though, you start feeling some pain or a burning sensation in the chest.
These aren’t the only things that lead to acidity.
It can also happen if you eat right before you go to bed, you overdo it on the coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, or you eat at irregular times. Luckily, there are some easy home remedies that can help. One of the easiest things you can to is to avoid late night meals. You don’t want to lay down right after you eat either. When you do sleep, try to keep your head raised. Another easy remedy is to drink a glass of fresh buttermilk.
Of course, there are a few home remedies that are a bit more unusual
But they may just work. You can try soaking five dried raisins in water overnight. When you wake up, eat them before you eat anything else. A sweet preserve called Gulkand mixed in with water can also help. One more possible solution is a type of tea. You make it by mixing black pepper, crushed black cardamom, turmeric, fennel, tulsi leaves, and cloves with water. You boil it, strain it, and drink it. While it’s probably best to check with your doctor if you’re having major pains, these easy home remedies may help you feel better and leave you in a better position to enjoy the tastes you love the most.



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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Easy ways to get more cayenne pepper in your diet]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/easy-ways-to-get-more-cayenne-pepper-in-your-diet</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Cayenne Pepper, hot and spicy, spicy food health]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/easy-ways-to-get-more-cayenne-pepper-in-your-diet-126397.jpg?v=1642370474</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate cayenne pepper into your diet...
There are several easy ways to get your hot pepper fix. From raw peppers to hot pepper products, drinks and desserts, it’s easy to enjoy and experience the true heat of the Scoville pepper scale. You don’t even have to necessarily cook anything or bake anything to add in some heat, either. Take, for example, hot chocolate. It tastes great this time of year because it really warms you up. If you want to take it up a notch, put down the whipped cream and sprinkle on some powdered cayenne pepper. It’s a tasty treat that’s a little bit sweet, but it also has that extra spicy kick. You can do the same thing with coffee. If the caffeine isn’t enough to wake you up, try sprinkling just a pinch of pepper into your morning cup of joe. 
If you’re more adventurous...
You can always try using fresh cayenne peppers during one of your main meals of the day. Chop up the peppers well, then sauté them for some extra flavor in your stir fry. You can also try slicing up some fresh cayenne peppers and incorporating them into a meat marinade or even add them to some homemade salsa that you and your guests won’t be able to put down. You may not want to go overboard right away, but rather slowly add in more and more cayenne peppers until you achieve just the right heat level to match your own individual taste.
If that sounds like too much work...
You can always try adding a splash of hot sauce to your meal. You don’t even have to cook it yourself! There are lots of extracts too, so choose the hot pepper product that best suits your needs. Not only do cayenne peppers taste great, but they’re packed with nutrients and other health benefits.



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]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Moderation -- the key to eating the spicy food you want]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/moderation-the-key-to-eating-the-spicy-food-you-want</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Junk Food]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Ashley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/moderation-the-key-to-eating-the-spicy-food-you-want-709785.jpg?v=1634172857</sr:image><description><![CDATA[If you find yourself constantly craving certain kinds of food, you’re not alone.
Whether you crave spicy food, sweet food or salty food, you never want to go overboard. Eating too much of something, even the really good stuff, can do a number on your health. Take for example, people who enjoy red meat. The rarer the better, right? Well, you could end up with food poisoning or other stomach-related problems if you eat only partially cooked meat or seafood, especially in large quantities. Surprisingly, the same goes for even fresh fruits and veggies. While they’re actually good for your health, if you don’t wash them properly you could be consuming non-tasty pesticides and fertilizers.A cup of coffee can help wake you up in the morning and keep you alert, but again, don’t overdo it. Drinking too much caffeine could cause stomach problems to flare up. The same goes for too much sugar and salt. High salt in your diet could lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, while too much sugar could also cause high blood pressure.
A high number of sugary snacks may additionally lead to weight gain and dental problems.
Unfortunately for many of us, even too much super spicy food can exacerbate problems like indigestion, constipation and gas. The good news, of course, is that moderation is your friend. As with most things, moderation is the key to eating the spicy food you want. You don’t have to go overboard to enjoy great taste. Just be careful what you eat, and especially how much you eat in one setting. It’s pretty satisfying to climb the pepper heat scale and enjoy new spicy hot flavors. Not everything needs to be super spicy but experimenting a little with the heat scale can definitely be a great way to add more flavor to your meals. 

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[What happens if you eat hot sauce every day?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/what-happens-if-you-eat-hot-sauce-every-day</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[357]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Ashley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:00:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/what-happens-if-you-eat-hot-sauce-every-day-583900.jpg?v=1634756855</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Sure, you love hot sauce, but what would happen if you ate it every day?
We’re not talking about going overboard and taste-testing your way through the Scoville pepper scale on full speed. After all, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and sadly, that also pertains to hot sauce and hot peppers. But using hot sauce in moderation daily could not only help spice up mealtime, but also perhaps deliver some pretty good health benefits along the way.Take your weight, for example. If you’re trying to lose weight, a daily dose of hot sauce could help boost your metabolism and curb your hunger. That’s right, you may be able to lose weight by eating hot peppers. In one study, people who ate capsaicin during the appetizer portion of their meal ended up eating less food during the actual meal, and fewer snacks later on in the day. In another study, people who ate hot sauce every day ended up burning a number of extra calories compared to those who didn’t use hot sauce daily.
If you’re just trying to lose belly fat, daily hot sauce may help with that, too. 

Taking a dose of capsaicin every day could also help reduce some potential health problems, like your blood pressure. Because capsaicin’s found in hot peppers, eating them may additionally help reduce the risk of heart disease, increase good cholesterol and decrease the bad stuff. Those are just a few of the many health benefits that may be tied to eating hot peppers and hot pepper products. Of course, you have to remember a little extra spice goes a long way. Too much hot sauce could end up irritating your stomach and burning your lips. You can eat the hot stuff but try to use those hot peppers and hot pepper products in moderation.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wing Lovers Listen Up!]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/wing-lovers-listen-up</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[Hot Sauce, hot wings, wings]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Ashley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2022 17:30:02 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/wing-lovers-listen-up-507446.jpg?v=1638556860</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Americans love their hot wings.
Truly. They’ve moved out of the exclusive domain of the sports bars and into the mainstream in the past decade. You’ll find new wing joints in just about every neighborhood and the growth of chains across the country. And everyone has their favorite.
Wing consumption grows annually in the United States… and it tends to spike during sporting matches. That’s to be expected, of course. And, the bigger the game, the more wings consumed. The National Chicken Council estimates that around 1.25 billion chicken wings are eaten on Super Bowl Sunday – and that’s the second-largest American feast day (after Thanksgiving).
New Sauces, Hotter Wings
While there are a few classic flavors, such as BBQ, teriyaki and your basic “hot” sauce, we’ve seen a big development in wing flavors during the past couple of years. These days you’ll find sauce options that include mango habanero, honey sriracha, and flavors in the 911 range of heat.
And yes, you will find that there are hot sauces that are just a little too much for you. Though there aren’t too many establishments that use Mad Dog in their hot sauces because of the heat, there are a few. And there are one or two national chains that offer hot wings with sauces that fall into the same Scoville range as the original Mad Dog 357 Hot Sauce. That’s 357,000 Scovilles of heat for the uninitiated.
All of That Is Good News, but There’s More
The growth of the hot wing industry is good news for fans. New sauces and restaurants to try are always a good thing. But, there’s more than just flavor and availability to consider.
Capsaicin is fat-soluble. This odorless and tasteless compound is the stuff that gives chili peppers and hot sauces their heat. And it does a body good. As a shortlist, capsaicin:
• Increases your metabolism, assisting with weight loss,• Regulates blood flow,• Causes cancerous cells to commit suicide,• Encourages cell growth and regeneration,• Alleviates chronic pain and headaches,• Staves off the development of certain ulcers,• May stop heart attacks while they’re in the process, and• It is a terrific source of vitamins and antioxidants.
But, let’s go back to that fat-soluble thing. Your body absorbs certain vitamins and minerals when there is water present to assist that process. Those foods are water-soluble. Capsaicin, on the other hand, is fat-soluble. And that means you’ll absorb a lot more of the benefits when consuming it with fatty substances.
You won’t get as much capsaicin into your system when you eat it with a green salad served with a squeeze of lemon. You’d be better off adding a splash of olive oil to get the benefits you want. And, if you really want the benefits of hot sauces, you should consider slathering it on your wings. There is plenty of fat in those (which is why they taste so damn good).
Don’t worry; you don’t need to wait for Super Bowl Sunday to enjoy your wings. You can eat them any day of the year… in just about any establishment in the United States.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Am I Craving Hot Sauce?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/why-am-i-craving-hot-sauce</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2021 17:30:03 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/why-am-i-craving-hot-sauce-627164.jpg?v=1620160432</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Sure, spicy foods can help with cravings, but what about when you’re hankering for some of the hot stuff itself?
Does it mean you’ve got an evil fire inside you? Not quite.

If you can’t shake the feeling of needing a bit of fire on your tongue, you’re not alone. All types of people, not just pregnant women, crave a dash of Mad Dog 357 hot sauce. We’re not here to analyze your future or dreams through these cravings...but we can tell you a few reasons why your body is begging for some spice.Although it may not make sense at first, a craving for hot sauce can actually be your body telling you that it needs to cool down. While spicy foods can add fire to your mouth and stomach, they actually help you release heat from your body by making you sweat. So if you can’t shake the feeling for some hot sauce, go ahead and give in! Your body will thank you.Another reason you may be craving hot sauce? You want the endorphin rush that comes with it.When you eat hot sauce, you get a dose of capsaicin — the component that’s responsible for chili pepper’s heat and the burning sensation you love. This fake fire leads your body to produce endorphins that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. So if you’re craving some hot sauce, you may just be looking for a boost to get you through your day.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Things You Wanted to Know about Hot Sauce]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/5-things-you-wanted-to-know-about-hot-sauce</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[get high, Health Benefits, mad dog 357, spicy food]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brenna Lindsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2021 17:30:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/5-things-you-wanted-to-know-about-hot-sauce-139769.jpg?v=1619706020</sr:image><description><![CDATA[But were afraid to find out
Yes, some people are freaked out by hot sauce. It’s hard to believe when you’re a chili head. After all, who doesn’t love that intense burn? The stinging pain? The sweet rush of tears?If you happen to be one of those folks who just can’t get on board with the hot sauce craze, here’s what you always wanted to know about super hot sauces.  
1. You Really Do Want to Wear Gloves
The stuff they leave on the tables in restaurants, that’s not real hot sauce, mmkay - and you don’t need to take any special precautions when dealing with it. Sure, you don’t want to be waving it about when there are young children around, but most people can handle that shit when it touches their skin accidentally. Serious hot sauce, on the other hand, requires some prevention. If gloves are suggested, just do it; there’s no need to play hero here. Otherwise, you’re going to find yourself in a world of trouble when you need to pee.
2. Hot Sauce Doesn’t Cause Ulcers
For sure, it feels like it’s burning a hole in your mouth. How could it not be doing damage to your stomach as it churns to break down that fiery goodness?It’s not; get over it. In fact, chili peppers (and therefore hot sauces) can prevent certain types of ulcers. Actually, the active ingredient - capsaicin - is part of hundreds of cancer cure studies. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But listen, if you already have an ulcer, you probably should consult a doctor about your diet. We’re not doctors; we craft incredible hot sauces.
3. Pepper Spray Does Relate to Super Hot Sauces
You kinda knew it, didn’t you? You just never bothered to research it. But, the stuff that makes your eyes feel like they’re bleeding is, at the core, the same stuff found in chili peppers and hot sauces. It’s called capsaicin, and it makes you feel as though you’re on fire. You’re not on fire. There’s no hole burning in your mouth, your stomach, or, in this case, your eyes. Capsaicin simply triggers the same pain receptors that fire does. But, it’s not real.
4. There Is Such a Thing as Ring Sting
Following directly on from that, you should know that those pain receptors are found in the mucus membranes of your body. That’s your mouth, your nose, just under your skin, and those areas your body naturally lubricate.Those sensors aren’t readily found in your stomach because you’re already a goner if fire has reached that point of your body. But you will experience the burn again on the way out. Well, many people do; if you’re one of the lucky ones, it probably means you suffer from hemorrhoids or similar issues.
5. Hot Sauce Gets You High
In case you’re wondering why the hell anyone would put themselves through morning-after ring sting, there is a reason. Super hot sauces get you high. Again, your run-of-the-mill, garden-variety hot sauce isn’t going to create an effect. But, super hot sauces will. The high is totally natural; it’s the result of an endorphins rush dispensed by your brain to help you cope with the pain of the fire it believes you’re eating. It’s totally addictive and a hell of a lot easier than running a few miles to trigger the same sort of release. And, when you’re really knocked over by a super hot sauce, the high is even better. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to live life to it's hottest - ring sting and all.

// ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Solving the hot debate: Is it chili, chili or chile?]]></title><link>https://maddog357.com/blogs/news/solving-the-hot-debate-is-it-chili-chili-or-chile</link><category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category><sr:tags><![CDATA[]]></sr:tags><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Ashley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 04 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><sr:image>https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0363/5131/1916/articles/solving-the-hot-debate-is-it-chili-chili-or-chile-579178.jpg?v=1628002487</sr:image><description><![CDATA[Have you ever looked at a word and just thought it looked wrong?
It’s not uncommon for two identical words in the English language to mean two completely different things. It’s also not uncommon to find multiple ways to spell the same word. That’s the case with chili peppers. Or is it chilli or even chile?
 
So, how do you really spell chili?

The thing is, you could argue all three are correct. The chili pepper has been around for a really long time. It’s also found in several different cultures, and in several different varieties. That’s why when you go to translate things like chile or chili, you end up with slightly different variations.
ChilliThe first version contains two L’s. The word chilli comes from the time of the Aztecs and the Nahuatl language. Because around 1.5-million people still speak the language, this version of chilli is still used today.ChileThe next possible version replaces the “i” with an “e” at the end. It’s just like the South American country of the same name. The word chile is how Spanish speakers in Mexico translated the Aztec word.ChiliFinally, there’s chili. Think of this version as the U.S. translation of the original Aztec word. You’ll often hear people call them hot peppers, chili peppers, or you may hear chili paste, chili sauce or hot sauce.According to the Chile Pepper Institute, chili is the word for a dish of beans, meat, tomatoes and chile powder, while chile is “the plant or fruit from the plant”. The dictionary, on the other hand, gives a couple of different answers.So, who’s right? It depends on who you ask, but does it really matter? Whether chile or chili or chilli, let’s just agree to disagree. Delving into anything on the spicy scale is delicious, no matter how you spell it.]]></description></item>		
         
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