Rio Grande Chile Spice Mix Rubbed Pecans, Almonds or Peanuts

4 cups nuts

For the coating Mix:

1/2cup sugar

1 Tablespoon or so Rio Grande Chile Spice Mix(Some like it hot)

2 teaspoons salt (less if using salted peanuts)

For the Glaze:

3 Tablespoons brandy

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and toast the nuts on a cookie sheet for five minutes, stirring once. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together all the ingredients for the coating mix.

In a large frying pan over high heat, combine all of the ingredients for the glaze and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir toasted nuts into boiling glaze and cook, stirring until glaze is dried up.

Toss hot glazed nuts into the spice mix coating. Stir to coat.

Cool completely before storing.

Snow

........And then the snowflakes began to fall, as did the temperatures. It got so cold that the natural gas supply could not meet the needs of everyone in every county. Taos County is in a State of Emergency with no gas for heat or hot water. There are no electric heaters at Walmart and even if you were one of the lucky ones, an electric heater won't help if the electricity goes off again. Only those with wood stoves are toasty. Forget about going to the restaurant or the deli at the grocery store. Lots of busted water lines too. Some people turned off their water, so bottled water is flying off the shelves. ........ But the spirit of the west survives and Taos residents put on their winter gear, and a "stiff upper lip" and are carrying on. Out here at the cabin the electricity went off on the coldest night (-30). We just made sure that the fire didn't go out and we were fine. Sure glad I'm not too afraid of the dark. I know the Taos news because I did a food demo at Cid's Market on Friday.

You could make this Chile Cheese Ball for your Super Bowl Party. I use a block of cream cheese, 8oz. of shredded 4 cheese blend, a little pack of applesauce, dried cranberries, and pecan pieces. Don't forget the Rio Grande Chile Spice Mix, at least a heaping tablespoon. If you make a cheese ball roll it in the mix and more pecans. Use as a spread or shape into a ball. Serve on crackers, tortillas, bagels, or celery.

The forecast calls for more snow....the natural gas is getting turned on soon.....the roads will clear, the sun will come out and everyone will think that the New Mexico mountains take you pretty close to heaven.

End of January

It's cloudy today in New Mexico. This is in contrast to days of balmy winds and brilliant blue skies. We've only had one major snowstorm and two Artic blasts that brought temperatures of -20 degrees. Otherwise, I keep thinking I see green on the chamisa. The Taos Ski Valley and the surrounding ski areas have had periodic light snows, but I am not alone as I look out the window waiting for the snowflakes that will breathe life into this ski community. We filled our wood box, and took some Taco meat out of the freezer for supper. I dug my cross country skis and my snowshoes out of the shed and I am ready. Our little dog Bonnie is always ready. I've been to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge a couple times with my chile spice mix. I caught a few sales as skiers came down from the mountains. I hear reports from Taos Ski Valley, Red River, Sipapu and Angel Fire. Everyone is happy to be outside in our beautiful mountains. After several runs down the hill they are hungry. They are ready to cook up something healthy from Cid's Market, plan a little sight seeing at the Taos Visitors' Center, drop by the Plaza for a souvenir, or browse through Taos Cookery on Bent Street. These places all sell my Rio Grande Chile Spice Mix if you can't find me at the Gorge. Don't forget to pick up a few packs to season your tacos, burritos, hash browns and eggs, beans, salsa, stew, meats and other recipes. You'll know one of the reasons why New Mexico is called The Land of Enchantment.

Chile @ the Gorge

Nights are still cold but the days are sunny. Assuming we avoid snow the next few weekends, come look us up at one of our favorite hang-outs - the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Chile samples and interesting conversation are on the agenda.