So, so saucy.

This is some hot sauce in my bag-type swag. For those who are not Beyonce fans, let's just say I put that sh** on everything. And for those who did not get either of those pop culture references, I recommend more TV/ internet time.

I am, admittedly, a big fan of hot sauce. It can take food from meh to WOWEE with just a single flick of the wrist. Brands, you ask? I have a few who I'm in long-term relationships with, the main ones being my girl Cholulah and of course Mr. Tapatio, but I'm really not that picky. All I'm looking for in a hot sauce is a little heat and a nice, detectable smokiness. That burn-your-face-off/ can't-taste-my-food area of the market is not for me.

So, what do I put hot sauce on? I've tried it on a lot of different things, and not all of them work. But there are some unconventional ones that do.

Popcorn. Throughout college, this gave me a lot of mileage in the dorm room snack department. Microwave a bag of popcorn, open the top, and dump in some hot sauce. Shake shake shake and enjoy. The little puffs will begin to make a fizzing noise - it's like the kernels are trying to say thank you.

Oatmeal. No lie. I love oatmeal. These days, taking it in a savory direction isn't just something those young, crazy kids are doing. Places like Grød in Copenhagen or A Baked Joint in D.C. are serving up bowls of savory oats on the reg. But I have yet to find someone literally adding hot sauce to the mix. By now, you are probably screaming at your computer screen, "HOW?! SHOW ME YOUR WAYS!" Chill out. Here's what I recommend you do: mix in grated sharp cheddar cheese until it gets melty, top with plenty of hot sauce, and throw a fried or poached egg on top. Finish with a pinch of salt. I call this dish the fire-breathing dragon. No I don't. I just made that up.

PineappleEeEeEeE. It's a bit of a yin and yang situation (YEAH - not ying yang! You've been saying that wrong!) Spicy and sweet together just do it. You can bring some other fruits to the party, too. Ring ring ring. Hello, Mango? We're having a party and you're invited. 

Hot Chocolate. No need to cozy up by a fire when you can ignite one in your own belly. Better for the environment, too. Some cultures have been combining chili and chocolate for hundreds of years (shout out to Mehico!), so isn't it time we do the same? Pro tip: use a hot sauce that isn't too vinegar-y. We're really looking for a simple, smokey heat on this one.

Give some of these a try! Let me know what you like to put hot sauce on and whether you have a favorite brand.