I use lots of Ancho chilis when I make tamales. They are quite potent when toasted (I hurt myself badly a couple of years ago by catching a whiff of the smoke from the toasting process) I wonder if the manufacturers blend Ancho powder with other, milder chilis or if the powder just becomes less potent after the commercial toasting and drying processes. -----Original Message----- From: Judy Howle [SMTP:howle@ebicom.net] Sent: Friday, February 06, 1998 8:28 AM To: Chile-Heads@globalgarden.com Subject: [CH] Chile in chili If they are dark colored (brownish red) they use Ancho powder. I have found several that use it. If red it's probably a NM mild chile, such as NM 6/4 or Joe Parker. Ancho has a great flavor for using in chili, IMHO. I also use Chimayo on occasion as well as mild. Sometimes I throw in some mulato or pasilla. Judy Howle howle@ebicom.net Flavors of the South Recipes for "heat lovers" http://www.ebicom.net/~howle Hot and Spicy Food Editor Suite 101 http://www.suite101.com/topics/page.cfm/462