Now my own table is set consistently with the standard set of seasonings for a heat addict: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Tajín chili lime, and ghost pepper salt. I’ve recently added Momofuku Chili Crunch to my list of favorite condiments. I keep a consistent stock of jalapeños and pepperoncini in the fridge for snacking and adding to anything lacking flavor. My oldest son is adventurous, and he’s started asking to sample these spicy options. He takes a flake of ghost pepper salt on his finger, milk in his other hand just in case, and tentatively touches it to his tongue. His eyes open wide, but he does not drink the milk. He smiles, sticks his tongue out for comic effect, and laughs. After a moment, he asks, “Can I have another one?”
My work here is done.
Photo Credit Towfiqu Barbhuiya