Blazing Roots

What is Hispanic food, and which Hispanic country has the best food? It's a question that sparks passionate debate from Mexico City to Buenos Aires. The truth is, Hispanic food isn't a single cuisine—it's a vibrant tapestry of flavors spanning over 20 countries, each with its own culinary identity shaped by indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and local ingredients. From the smoky complexity of Mexican mole to the bright, citrusy ceviche of Peru, Hispanic cuisine offers home cooks an incredible world of bold spices, fresh herbs, and techniques that transform simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. Discover the defining flavors of Latin America's greatest food cultures and learn how to bring these authentic tastes into your own kitchen.

Elevate your cheese board! Our guide shows you how to pair creamy Brie, sharp Cheddar, and bold Blue Cheese with Casa Flake's chili flakes for perfect spicy pairings.

Learn how to make versatile spicy honey in 5 minutes! This easy recipe is the perfect sweet-heat condiment for glazes, cheeses, pizza, and cocktails.

The Scoville Scale is the universal measurement system that tells you exactly how hot a chili pepper really is—but it's so much more than just numbers. Understanding Scoville Heat Units (SHU) is your key to cooking with confidence, whether you're reaching for a mild poblano or a fiery habanero. Created in 1912 by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, this scale measures the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for that burning sensation we either love or fear. But here's what most people don't know: the Scoville Scale isn't just about surviving the heat—it's about discovering the incredible flavor complexity hidden within different peppers, from the sweet fruitiness of a habanero to the smoky depth of chipotle. In this complete guide, you'll learn how the Scoville Scale actually works, where your favorite peppers rank, how to use different heat levels in cooking, and most importantly, how to choose the right spice level for every dish without guessing or getting burned.