I attended the press preview of the 1st Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo last night at Jimmy’s No. 43 restaurant, where I watched a panel of judges suffer through a whopping twelve categories of hot sauces, with flavors ranging from fiery and fruity to scorching scotch bonnet. While I greatly doubt my ability to savor over 100 sauces in one sitting, I look forward to sampling these products at my leisure in my home kitchen, with a number of safety drinks handy! 

Mark your calendars for April 20-21, 2013, where the NYC Hot Sauce Expo sets up in Brooklyn, New York’s East River State Park, featuring eating contests, hot sauce awards, fire eaters and other capsaicin-oriented treats! 

—Alexa Weibel, Associate Food Editor

Daily Bite: Tingly Szechuan Pepper Beef Noodles

“I love the spicy bite of szechuan pepper in this noodle dish. (I also use the pepper for make-your-lips-tingle, finger-licking-good friend chicken.) If you can’t find the spice in your supermarket or Asian market, order it from Penzeys Spices (penzeys.com),” Rachael says.

Check out all of our delicious Daily Bite recipes here!

Daily Bite: Pair this Spicy Creamed Corn as a kicked up side dish with any main dish.

This Daily Bite is one of Rachael Ray’s favorite Tuscan Italian recipes: Spicy Ground Lamb Ragu.

Daily Bite: It’s easy being green with this pasta- Zucchini & Penne with Hot Pepper Pesto-  complete with parsley, mint, jalapeños, pistachios and zucchini! Have you picked up your copy of our September issue yet? #RRItaly

Daily Bite: Spicy Mocha Milkshake Shooters for a grown-up, happy hour treat.