Texas Fall/Winter thread!

[dave1949]

dave1949---on peppers, transplant earlier and harden off earlier. Not sure what we grew but it worked and I think we got the seeds either at Johnny's or that place in NB, Canada that I forgot the name of. They're the one that carry the Howard Dill giant pumpkin seeds and also have a shipping address out of Calais or nearby.

Thanks. The serious gardeners around Maine--the ones who want a good crop every year :laughing:-- are using grow tunnels or hoop houses now for veggies needing consistent warmth and extra growing days, and early and late greens.

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks. The serious gardeners around Maine--the ones who want a good crop every year :laughing:-- are using grow tunnels or hoop houses now for veggies needing consistent warmth and extra growing days, and early and late greens.

Floating row covers work well too and are easies is to have the plant hardied off when you plant it and planting should be towards the end of May unless a full moon is coming. Full moons tend to bring a frost. Then after planting keep it warm at night by putting a cinder block or bucket over the plant. Also you could put bricks around the plant or rocks. Anything to hold the heat at night and slow down the wind. We consistently grew 105 day things or even a little longer if we were lucky. Fertilize the right amount at the right time.

 

[sseelhoff]

All those posters from Maine, Ohio, etc....

Good Lord, y'all-Texas has been invaded (again).

 

[dave1949]

All those posters from Maine, Ohio, etc....

Good Lord, y'all-Texas has been invaded (again).

Sorry, we furriners are side tracked. :laughing:

I was hoping Jim would weigh in on the merits of chili paste, or has he made any at home, what kind of chilies would he use.

 

[Western]

All those posters from Maine, Ohio, etc....

Good Lord, y'all-Texas has been invaded (again).

Hey Scott, dont tease the "hired help":shocked::laughing: I know you have an idea of the legal ramifications if you start a labor, or immigration dispute!!:rotfl:

 

[Western]

BTW, have you guys tried/had White chicken Chile? Very good and a nice semi spicy change to the norm and great in the cold months.

 

[jinman]

Sorry, we furriners are side tracked. :laughing:

I was hoping Jim would weigh in on the merits of chili paste, or has he made any at home, what kind of chilies would he use.

Here's a recipe to start with. I have not made chili from scratch for many years. I want to do it again soon and will start with this recipe. I typically make it the way I know other people will eat it rather than my personal favorite. I like it hot, but normally make it mild by removing pepper seeds from the mix. I can always add back the heat needed. I would suggest being cautious with the amount of pepper and chili powder used in some recipes. 1/4 cup is a bunch of chili powder if you don't like very hot food. Also, add chilis until you have the right taste for your own preference. I think ground cumin is the key to great chili taste.

 

[dave1949]

Here's a recipe to start with. I have not made chili from scratch for many years. I want to do it again soon and will start with this recipe. I typically make it the way I know other people will eat it rather than my personal favorite. I like it hot, but normally make it mild by removing pepper seeds from the mix. I can always add back the heat needed. I would suggest being cautious with the amount of pepper and chili powder used in some recipes. 1/4 cup is a bunch of chili powder if you don't like very hot food. Also, add chilis until you have the right taste for your own preference. I think ground cumin is the key to great chili taste.

Thanks Jim. That sounds good.

It will definitely be a new taste adventure. But hey, chili season is upon us now where a little heat ain't a bad thing. But I will likely tone it down a bit as you suggest. I'm sure I have never put even close to 1/4 cup of chili powder in a full crockpot of chili. I also add black pepper, crushed red pepper, some pickled jalapeno slices, onions and garlic. Sharon doesn't care for hot too much, so I sometimes add some Frank's RedHot cayenne pepper sauce to mine at the table.

BTW, when I say chili powder, it's McCormick brand "Chili Powder." The listed ingredients are: chili pepper (no variety specified), spices (that helps :laughing, salt and garlic. I'm going to be in new chili territory.

I looked up the chilies here: Guajillo Chile Peppers, Whole or Ground

So, I could online order dried whole chilies of both varieties in the recipe, guajillo and pasilla.

If I have dried chilies, would the procedure be to wash them a bit (they recommend that at spicehouse . com), then toast them in the skillet followed by soaking?

 

[Lou66]

Look out Lou had a beer or two.. and I will probably get scolded one more time.:shocked:. But you can’t make chili without cumin, ancho pepper, New Mexico chili peppers and the neighbor cat.:confused3:. The one that thinks your flower garden is his/her bathroom.. Always invite the owner of the cat,, they will brag on the chili and ask have you seen my cat?.. And you can said not lately.. I call it texaskittybegonechili.. or tekibench,, can I have another bowl of tekibench.:stirthepot:. make sure the cat is of nice size.. a lot of seconds will be served and request for your recipe,:stirthepot:, Just tell them it was your Aunt Kitty recipe and she made me promise on her flower garden to keep it a secret .. Lou

 

[dave1949]

Look out Lou had a beer or two.. and I will probably get scolded one more time.:shocked:. But you can’t make chili without cumin, ancho pepper, New Mexico chili peppers and the neighbor cat.:confused3:. The one that thinks your flower garden is his/her bathroom.. Always invite the owner of the cat,, they will brag on the chili and ask have you seen my cat?.. And you can said not lately.. I call it texaskittybegonechili.. or tekibench,, can I have another bowl of tekibench.:stirthepot:. make sure the cat is of nice size.. a lot of seconds will be served and request for your recipe,:stirthepot:, Just tell them it was your Aunt Kitty recipe and she made me promise on her flower garden to keep it a secret .. Lou

:laughing: I couldn't do that to my 93-year-old neighbor lady who of course, has a cat.

Another vote for cumin, ancho and New Mexico peppers.