It’s been an especially chilly winter here on the East Coast, with temperatures well below freezing in recent weeks. It reminds me of my Chicago days when we would triple-layer and still feel like we were walking in an ice box. It’s days like these that I crave warm soups, hot drinks, and extra heat. Check out some of my favorite spots to go for a winter treat to warm you up.

If you want to add some heat to your own kitchen, here is a recipe for one of my spicy favorites: Jalapeño black pasta. It’s based on one of my favorite pasta dishes at Babbo in New York City. Jalapeños are fun to cook with, but you have to be careful when you’re prepping them, as the seeds can leave a burning sensation that lingers (i.e. don’t rub your eyes after you handle them with your fingers). They’re also an extremely versatile ingredient that works well in many different cuisines, from Mexican to Chinese to Italian, adding some extra spice to your dish.

It’s also always a careful art to reaching that perfect spice level when you’re cooking, especially when your family and friends are across the spectrum in their love (or hate) of spice. The safe bet is always to go middle of the road, and set aside extra sauce/chili for those who want to up the ante. I’m personally always big on spiciness (Sriracha is a staple on my shelf, and I habitually ask for extra spicy noodle dishes when I eat out). Of course, this is not always the case for everyone, and it’s important to respect that as the chef!

To help give some balance, spicy food goes great with more mellow or fruitier drinks, like a Riesling or Beaujolais, or a refreshing beer.

Enjoy, and stay warm!