September 8, 2010

Green Chili Chasing


It has been cold/flu time at our Casa for awhile now. After trying to go back to work yesterday, my hacking cough gave everyone there the willies, so I headed to the doc and then back to said Casa. As I was driving up to the mail box I was thinking; what I need is a good spicy meal (or ten) in New Mexico to show these germs the door. Based on my previous research, it works. So, as I was mulling over some of my favorite NM haunts for restorative meals, what do you think tumbled out of our mailbox? A beautiful post card from NM sent by dear friends who are midway through a vacation there. 

They are on a green chili mission and knew we would appreciate hearing about it. Well, they are visiting the land and people they love as well, but Oh that chili! Green chili chasing is not to be taken lightly. It may not be as difficult as the pilgrimages made to El Santuario de Chimayo each Easter but...it is a journey of devotion. Of course our friends couldn't know how perfect their postcard's arrival time would be, nor did we know of their NM journey. I love serendipity.

For the record, the selection of ground chilies found at the store in Chimayo in the fall are excellent. Wonderfully flavorful. From a germ chasing perspective, chili isn't the ONLY NM elixir. For instance, if I were sitting in Taos at the Apple Tree restaurant right now, having a bowl of their Fall Pumpkin Soup, I'm fairly certain I would be well by morning. 

The photo above was taken on one of the "skirt around the center of town traffic" roads in Taos. In the fall. Probably on our way to eat something green or red.

8 comments:

Kittie Howard said...

Hope you're feeling better, Chris. Went to a farmer's market not long ago, bought some veggies and the farmer threw in some green chilis...OMG! Wonderful! But in small slices I learned!

Love your previous post's photo...!

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Hi Kittie,
Yes, getting the "right" amount of green chili can require some thin slicing. And there are so many types, selecting can be tricky; some far more hot than others. What a nice farmer to share his tasty chili with you.

To be completely "chili honest", I am more a fan of that good chili flavor than heat. Example: I enjoy making fruit salsa to lay over salmon or black beans. I add diced green chili to the salsa, but only enough to spark the fruit flavors. On the other hand, my husband, the true cook of the family, LOVES hot chili dishes served with a towel sized napkin.

That germ chasing meal I ate in NM (a wonderful soup) was brimming with chili hot enough to vanquish a fever and lung infection.

Glad you enjoyed the photo of the Swan.
Hugs,
Chris

Taos Sunflower said...

Chris: I hate to be the bearer of sad tidings, but the Apple Tree went out of business some time ago...another Taos casualty...not sure of the reasons, but they're long gone, and that wonderful building stands empty.

Teresa Evangeline said...

I'm weeping for the missing Apple Tree. It was a wonderful restaurant. I can handle the chili in small doses. Besides milk, I've heard honey can quench the fire. :)

Anonymous said...

I hope you are feeling better. Yes, chili can cure. How about green chile stew? The Fall Pumpkin Soup sounds delicious.

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Martie,
I'm with Teresa and weeping for the passing of the Apple Tree. So sad. And the thought of that wonderful building sitting idle, sad as well. How about Joseph's Table? Have they survived the downturn?
Hugs,
Chris

Teresa,
Hadn't heard about honey being good for cutting the fire of chili. You may have saved many souls with that piece of info. Raising a ginger ale toast to the passing of our dear Apple Tree. An atmosphere perfect for good conversation with great food.
Hugs,
Chris

Hi Jack,
I am on the mend. Three forward for every one step back, so making good progress. That green chili stew would be great on this mild rainy day we are having. Hmmm. That particular Pumpkin Soup became the standard with the first spoonful and I've been going on about it since. I love it that flavor memories remain so strong.
Hugs,
Chris

Kittie Howard said...

Chris, I'm hoping you're okay. Haven't seen your blog on the roll so thought I'd drop in with a big bowl of chicken soup, just in case a mean, nasty germ lingered.

And my hub also loves food so hot when he breathes he looks like a firey dragon. I'm like you, accentuate the flavors and WOW.

HUGS!

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Hi Kittie,
So sorry to have missed your post. That chicken soup of yours did the trick. All is well though that germ seems to REALLY like each of us that has gotten it. I picked up some freshly canned spicy dill pickles today and thought of you. Remains to be seen if they are over the top or not.
Hugs,
Chris

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