I am a chile-head...pure and simple. I learned it at an early age from my Mom, who puts Tabasco sauce on EVERYTHING. I started harmlessly enough....a couple drops of hot sauce here and there....and I felt like a big boy. For years, I continued my Mom's teachings; and put Tabasco on anything that you would put salt on.....I NEEDED to put Tabasco on it. Today, I NEED LIQUID FIRE.....but with FLAVOR.
This last season, I tried my hand at growing Chiles in the garden. I don't have much space and the soil is poor, but my climate is great for them because it's hot and miserable during the summer.....exactly what chiles like.
Homemade Chile Powder - absolutely the best chile powder in town is the one you make yourself. Makes that grocery store stuff taste like sawdust.
Chipotles - spawns another set of things to do with "smoked" chiles....sauces, powder, barbecue rubs, etc.
Pickled Chiles - awesome and easy.
Decorative Crafty Jobbies (ristras, fancy-schmancy jar thingies, etc.)
Homemade Hot Sauce - which brings us back to this article ('bout time, Randy...)