Chipotle Peppers

Chipotle Peppers are simply Jalapeño Chili Peppers that have been smoked and dried. The unique smokey flavor with the peppery heat is the perfect addition for so many recipes. Add them to soups, chili, sauces, salad dressings, and just about anything you want to kick up a notch.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 ripe Jalapeño peppers
• Sharp knife
• Plastic gloves

Directions:

• Fire up the smoker with your favorite mild wood chips; coffee, pecan, oak, or hickory chips.
• Wash the peppers.
• Put on some gloves and split the peppers in half with a sharp knife.
• Smoke them in the smoker for about 12 hours
• Add more wood chips when needed to keep the smoke billowing.
• Continue smoking for another 24 hours without adding more wood chips.
• Remove the peppers from the smoker and allow them to come to room temperature. If they are not completely dry, place them on a cookie cooling rack in a baking sheet and place them in the oven until they are completely brittle.
• Store chipotles in a cool, dry place. Place the chipotles in warm water for an hour to re-hydrate them. This makes it easy to dice them up to add them to your favorite recipes.
• You can also grind up the dried chipotles in a spice grinder to make chipotle chili powder to season any dish that needs a little smoke and spicy heat.