When members can’t choose between sweet and spicy, this growing cooking trend delicately combines the two.
Spice lovers have a range of flavor profiles to enjoy, particularly one now making its way into every corner of the menu. The concept of sweet heat combines a hot flavor from ingredients like peppers, ginger, or horseradish with a sugary element such as honey, maple syrup or even sweet cheeses. This balance of sweetness adds to the spiciness without upstaging its kick.
Sweet heat as a cooking concept has been around in cuisines for centuries, such as in Southeast Asian foods. However, the trend has been popping up in other cuisines in the past several years, giving club and resort chefs more room to play with new dishes. Everything from barbecue cookouts to refined wine dinners may feature sweet heat, making this a playful option for all meals at the club.
One of the largest benefits of sweet heat is its versatility. The flavor pairing shines in sauces and marinades for both meat and vegetables alike. For example, combinations include sriracha and honey-based mixtures and ginger and brown sugar marinades. The balance of both hot and sweet also welcome a range of herbs and flavor profiles to match the chef’s preferences.
Sweet heat is even making its way onto the dessert scene, with pastry chefs adding touches of ghost pepper to chocolate icings or homemade ice cream. On cheese platters, members can play with unique combinations of sharp or soft cheeses and spiced honey for a unique tasting experience.
The sweet heat trend provides club and resort chefs with more opportunities to push the boundaries of new menu items for members with daring palettes. However, sweet heat can be created on a wide scale from mild to spicy, making it even more flexible for those looking for a milder meal.