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.

Greetings from Northern New Mexico!

There is no snow on the ground yet, but the temperature is definitely dropping and winds are blowing cold across the Taos plain. This is the time of year when we double check the wood pile at the cabin and make sure the cupboards are well stocked in case we can't get our car out of the driveway until its plowed. Here in New Mexico we're proud of our Hatch Red Chile. We add it to our soups, stews, beans, tacos, burritos, posole, salsa, meats and other recipes. We have taken this chile and added garlic, oregano, onion and cilantro so that you are ready to spice up your cooking. Whether you use our spice mix by itself or just to get you started you'll be glad you found Rio Grande Chile Spice Mix.

Tres Piedras Sunflower

Photo Credit: K.Capron

Rio Grande Chile Spice Mix

Harvested from chile fields watered by New Mexico's Rio Grande, this mild red chile is then combined with other local flavors creating a blend of spices that captures the culinary essence of New Mexico. The history, culture and traditions of the Southwest will pour into your homemade dishes. Use this authentic seasoning in tacos, burritos, salsa, posole, as a rub or marinade for grilled meats and much more.