>There has been some recent references to CH alarm ratings. I don't know if >there has been a previous thread to the subject, but I would be interested in >the personal opinions of CHs as to: >1) What they consider the various alarm levels to be (include examples). Personally, I only use an "alarm" rating as a scale for that particular chile-and-meat combination known as "chili". Following American Firehouse tradition, I use from 1-Alarm to 5-Alarm; there is also a special rating reserved for only the most mild and innocuous chilis: "False Alarm". >2) And what is your own typical preference/range. Well, I can't consider myself a "pepper wuss" anymore, but I still prefer my chili on the mild side, about a 2- or maybe 3-alarm. I always make it milder than that for the family - my wife and daughter don't really care to build any tolerance for El Grande - and then add fire to my own servings. >3) Also, is 5-alarm the absolute limit? --as implied by some messages. It's arbitrary, I guess. I've never been into the "heat for heat's sake" thing. And for me, beyond a certain point, the heat loses it's pleasurable aspects and becomes just another obnoxiously dominant taste. Like eating soup that's been salted too much. >4) If so, what about the really serious chile-off's? -- is there an extended >range for this situation? > (I did mean "chile" - as in pepper.) Beats me. <g> Like I said, I only use the "alarm" system to rate chili-with-an-i. === Dave Sacerdote davesas@tiac.net "I am so mighty, I do not have to kill you all." -- Flaming Carrot Resist or Serve.