is cayenne the same as ground red pepper?

[greek salad]

I was trying to find ground red pepper in the spice section. Is this the same as cayenne pepper?

One more thing, when a recipe says red pepper flakes (which I use), can I substitute and use just a bit of the ground stuff. I would assume I would have to use a lot less of the ground stuff.

Thanks,

[seeteekay]

Yes, cayenne is the same as ground red pepper. Also you can substitute it for red pepper flakes but be VERY careful. A little goes on a long way.

[Holly in KC]

Yes. Cayenne = ground/crushed red pepper. You might find the attached link handy. I've bookmarked it and refer to it often.

http://www.foodsubs.com/SpiceHisp.html#cayenne%20pepper

I have personally never subbed crushed red pepper for pepper flakes (since I have both on hand at all times), but accoring to Food Subs, just use less of the ground (as you surmised).