Q: Dear Dave,A long time ago, a Mexican friend told me that in order to ensure that your jalapeño pepper is fiery hot, you should roll it between your hand and the table, being careful not to break the pepper open, then let it sit for 30 minutes. I have used this method extensively and it works almost every time. …
Rainbow Pepper Plant Reincarnation
Q: Dear Dave,Much to my dismay, my rainbow pepper plant is dying. I think that I watered it too much. Can I take the seeds from the peppers that are left on the plant, in order to grow a new one? Do you have any other suggestions on how I might be able to get a "start" from the plant …
Chipotles Too Hot–Alternatives?
Q: Dave:I love the smoky flavor of the chipotle, but don’t care for the heat–even when I remove the seeds, it’s still too hot. Can you suggest an alternative that will give me the great flavor?Thank you, Sandi A: Hello Sandi:Unfortunately for you, all of the smoked chiles are pretty hot. Here are some hints for toning down the heat:–Using the …
Home Chile Roasters
Q: Dear Dave,Does anyone make a small home chile roaster that doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars? Or do you know of plans to make one at home?Thanks, Linda A: Linda:Arizona Chile Roasters has units under $150. See http://www.chileroastersonline.com/–Dave
Are Ornamental Chillis Edible?
Q: Hello Dave,We just bought an ’ornamental chilli’ but were told that the chillis are not to be eaten. Is this true? They look so yummy. They are three different colors–red, orange and creamy white. Kind regards, Janet A: Hello Janet:All chillis, chiles, or chilis of any kind, including ornamentals, are edible. I don’t where the rumor started that the ornamental …