7 surprising foods to sprinkle pepper on

If you like things a bit spicy but aren't into the Sriracha craze, go back to basics and use black pepper to season your food. 

Be warned: You have to genuinely love the zesty taste of black pepper to enjoy these recipes. These are not suggestions for "in-betweeners" or people who only like pepper. 

If you're one of those people who takes an awkwardly long time to tell the waiter "stop" when they're grinding pepper over your salad, these are for you.

1. Ice cream 

Close up of bowl of ice cream Credit: mashable composite: Brett Stevens/Getty Images

There are hundreds of recipes for black pepper ice cream, like this one from David Lebovitz's book The Perfect Scoop. If you don't want to make your own, black pepper sprinkled on store bought ice cream is fine. Maybe the new non-dairy Ben & Jerry's offerings need some spice.

2. Fruit, specifically summer berries 

A selection of fresh mixed summer berries Credit: mashable composite: Jon Boyes/Getty Images

Pepper enhances the natural sweet and tartness of the fruit and gives it a good "kick." Pair this with a summer cocktail and you are made in the peppery shade. 

3. Oatmeal

Bowl of oatmeal with berries Credit: mashable composite: dream pictures/getty images

If you're trying to eat healthy and desperately need something to amp up the taste of plain ol' oats, pepper is a low-cal way to make this traditional breakfast savory. 

4. Peanut butter

Spoonful of peanut butter Credit: mashable composite: Martin jacobs/getty images

Spicy and peanut flavors are really nothing new, so pepper and peanut pair swimmingly. Jelly would enhance this even more, but just a spoonful of PB and P is a great snack.

5. Greek yogurt

The bowl of yoghurt Credit: mashable composite: xefstock/Getty Images

Greek yogurt is tangy. Adding pepper makes it a yummy dip for veggies or chips, but obviously, cheese makes the best base for dipping.

6. Pumpkin pie

Slice of homemade pumping pie on plate Credit: mashable composite: DreamPictures/Getty Images

The one spice your Thanksgiving treat is missing: pepper. A good pumpkin pie usually has cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, so try adding a peppery taste to balance the sweetness.

7. Coffee

Hot latte coffee in a red cup with laptop Credit: mashable composite: noizstocker/Getty Images

Literally put some "pep" in your morning. Rather than drinking the cayenne pepper and lemon juice detox, mix it in your usual cup of joe and drink the spice. 

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