Ep 3. Bring the Heat

In season 12, episode 3 of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, titled "Bring the Heat," the popular TV chef shares with her viewers some of her favorite recipes that pack a spicy punch. Sandra Lee shows how adding just a little bit of heat to your meals can elevate the flavor and take your dishes to new heights.

Throughout the episode, Sandra Lee creates a variety of dishes that feature different levels of spice. She starts off with a dish that is mildly spicy, a hearty Tex-Mex chicken soup that is perfect for a chilly day. The soup is made with simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chili powder. Sandra Lee adds a little bit of heat with canned green chiles, but for those who want more spice, she suggests adding chopped jalapeño peppers.

Next, Sandra Lee turns up the heat with a dish that is sure to please fans of spicy food. She shows viewers how to make spicy shrimp tacos with a zesty slaw. The shrimp are seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper before being sautéed with garlic and onion. Sandra Lee also shares a recipe for a quick and easy slaw that adds a cool and refreshing element to the tacos. The slaw includes ingredients like green onions, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice, which balance out the heat from the shrimp.

For those who prefer their heat in the form of a beverage, Sandra Lee shares a recipe for a spicy margarita. She starts by making her own margarita mix using fresh-squeezed lime juice, orange juice, and sugar. To add some heat, Sandra Lee suggests infusing the mix with fresh jalapeño peppers. She then explains how to properly rim a glass with salt, and shows viewers how to make the perfect margarita by shaking the mix with tequila and ice.

In addition to the main dishes, Sandra Lee also shares some spicy snack ideas that are perfect for entertaining. She shows how to make a spicy hummus dip that is made with canned chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Sandra Lee suggests using the dip as a spread for pita bread or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. She also offers a fun party appetizer idea, jalapeño poppers made with cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Sandra Lee demonstrates how to prep the peppers, stuff them with the filling, and bake them until they are golden brown and crispy.

Overall, the "Bring the Heat" episode of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee is a must-watch for anyone who loves spicy food. Sandra Lee shows viewers how to add a little bit of heat to their meals, and offers tips and tricks for those who like their food extra spicy. With recipes for everything from spicy soups and tacos to spicy drinks and snacks, this episode has something for everyone.