Chipotles in Adobo Sauce are dry smoked red jalepenos(chipotles) that have been stewed in a lightly seasoned liquid. They have become very popular in Southwestern cooking because they provide a distinctive warm heat and delicious smoky flavor. Although you can buy canned Chipotles in Adobo Sauce, in markets that specialize in Hispanic foods, this homemade alternative is far superior and is very easy to prepare. They cost around $2.25 a can, were as I make my own for free, or the cost of my time. When my time is spent teaching my kids how to pass on these important skills, then it is very worth it.

I will teach you how to make chipotles by dry smoking jalepenos later in the growing season when it comes time.

You can buy Chili Powder in the store and it usually has extra salt and sometimes even sugar in it. I suggest you make your own, and you can adjust the kinds of chilies you use to adjust the "heat" of your chili powder. I often make my own ground chili, and keep different kinds in those little old spice jars from McCormick. Buy the dried chilies in bulk is a whole lot cheaper than buying Chili Powder from the store, and you can use the whole dried chilies in so many wonderful dishes. I always remove ALL the seeds.