Welcome to Spice & Sizzle
At Spice & Sizzle, we believe that heat isn’t just a flavor—it’s an experience. Whether you’re drawn to the smoky depth of a chipotle, the bright punch of a habanero, or the slow-building fire of a Scotch bonnet, this is the place where passion for spice meets the art of cooking.
What We Do
Our mission is simple: to help you explore, understand, and master the world of chillies. From beginner-friendly recipes to advanced heat techniques, we provide practical guidance, curated ingredient spotlights, and honest reviews so you can cook with confidence—and a little extra kick.
Topics We Cover
We dive deep into everything related to spicy cooking:
- Global varieties of chillies—from the mild poblano to the record-breaking Carolina Reaper
- Step-by-step recipes for salsas, curries, marinades, and spicy desserts
- How to balance heat with flavor, acidity, and sweetness
- Growing your own chillies, even in cooler climates
- Pairing heat with drinks, cheeses, and breads
- Myths debunked: Is capsaicin good for you? Can you really build tolerance?
About the Creator
I’m Dorian Hawthorne, a lifelong spice enthusiast and self-taught cook who once burned his first attempt at salsa so badly he swore off chillies for a year. That didn’t last. What began as a personal quest to understand heat evolved into this site—a labor of love born from countless taste tests, failed experiments, and the joy of sharing a perfectly spicy dish with friends. Though I live in Melbourne, Australia, my kitchen is global, and my heart belongs to the vibrant, fiery traditions of Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Caribbean cuisines.
Why This Website Exists
There’s so much misinformation out there about chillies—people think hotter always means better, or that you need exotic ingredients to cook with heat. I created Spice & Sizzle to change that. This site is for anyone who wants to move beyond bottled hot sauce and truly understand what makes each pepper unique. No jargon. No pretense. Just honest, delicious, and approachable guidance.
Our Values
We believe in:
- Authenticity: Every recipe is tested in a real home kitchen, not a studio.
- Inclusivity: Heat is for everyone, regardless of experience or tolerance.
- Sustainability: We encourage growing your own, using local varieties, and reducing waste.
- Curiosity: Never stop asking, ‘What if I tried this pepper instead?’
Contact Us
Have a question, a recipe to share, or just want to say hello? I read every message. Reach out anytime at [email protected]. You can also find me wandering the spice aisles of Melbourne’s international markets—chances are, you’ll spot me holding a bag of ghost peppers and grinning like a fool.