Here are few spicy delights to warm up your palette.

Salsa Negra
Recipe courtesy of Nixtaco Mexican Kitchen and Distillery.
Course Dressing, Sauce
Servings 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 dried chipotle
- 1 dried guajillo
- 1 dried pasilla
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1½ cups canola oil
- 4 tablespoons coriander seed
- 3 tablespoons cumin seed
- 2½ tablespoons white sesame seed
- 2½ tablespoons black sesame seed
- 1 garlic clove, optional
- 1 –2 tablespoons lime juice, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the dried chiles with the olive and canola oils in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture slowly over medium-low heat until the chiles become aromatic, being careful not to let them burn. Remove from the heat and allow the oil to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, toast the coriander, cumin, white sesame, and black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Let the toasted seeds cool slightly.
- Transfer the cooled oil mixture, toasted seeds, and garlic (if using) to a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix. Blend until mostly smooth but still slightly textured. Add the lime juice and salt to taste, then blend briefly to combine. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate. Stir or shake before using. The salsa will keep for up to two weeks.

Habanero Pepita Salsa
Recipe courtesy of Nixtaco Kitchen and Cocktails.
Course Dressing, Sauce
Servings 1.5 cups
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pepitas
- 1 habanero pepper, lightly charred and seeded
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, optional for added flavor, more or less to taste
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 12 ounces canola oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Start by toasting the pepitas in a dry pan over medium heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant. While the pepitas toast, combine the habanero pepper, garlic, rosemary (optional), lime juice, canola oil, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the oil is warmed by the blending, and all ingredients are fully combined. Once the pepitas are toasted, pour the warm oil mixture over them, stirring to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve or store in a sealed container. Store in refrigerator.