Instructions: HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE: Chilies should have bright, shiny skins and shouldnt be shrivelled. Store in the refrigerator.

BASIC PREPARATION FOR COOKING: In commercial canneries, the tough though thin skin of the chilies is removed either in a lye bath or in huge blast furnaces which rush the chilies through and char the outside skin without harming the meat at all. In the kitchen, though, thses methods are a bit extreme! There ARE easier ways. If you are preparing one or two chilies, spear them with a fork and char the skin over the surface unit of your range. Rotate until the skin is black or blistered. Put in a small paper sack and close the sack for a few minutes to let the chilies steam. Slip off the skin. If you are doing anumber of chilies, here is another method.

BROILER METHOD: Spread chilies on broiler pan under high heat. Turn chilies frequently until charred or blistered. Put in paper bag for 15-20 minutes.

Remove skins, trim off stem and remove all see and veins. (The seeds are the hottest part of the chili.)

**NOTE OF CAUTION** The juice of chili peppers is not only hot enought to light a fire in your food, but it can also cause a lot of discomfort if rubed on the skin. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after cutting or handling chilies. If you have ever inadvertently rubbed your face or eyes with chili juice on your hands, you know what we mean! If youre using freshly chopped chilies in salads, sauces or vegetables, chop them as finely as possible. A tiny morsel goes a long way.

Flatman

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