For 2022, the Berryville Library is hosting its own Books, Spice, and Everything Nice spice club. Stop by the library to get the spice of the month and then stop by the blog on the first Tuesday of the month for recipes and more information on the featured spice. We’ll also be adding monthly posts about cookbooks in our collection. For May, our spice is ancho chile powder!
Ancho chile peppers are dried poblano peppers, which have a storied history in Mexican cuisine. Their cultivation even predates the Aztecs! As a result, we’re highlighting some recipes for favorite Mexican dishes, while also including some alternate uses for flavorful ancho.
Want a tasty chicken stew, Guatemala-style? Try the pepián, courtesy of Berryville’s own Aracely Ramirez.
Love enchiladas but want to go the extra mile with them? Try the 10-minute homemade enchilada sauce.
In the mood for something summery, even if it is still only spring? Try the grilled chicken thighs with mango-ancho sauce.
Want some spicy chili? Try Trisha Yearwood’s chorizo chili.
In need of some barbecue? Try the BBQ ribs.
On the hunt for a new favorite side dish? Try the cheesy crockpot potatoes.
Prefer to wing it? Just follow your heart–and the flavor profile suggestions–on recommended uses and pairings.
Not a cook? You might still learn something (and be amused) with the history and trivia about the spice.
Please be sure to update us about how you used ancho chile powder in May. You can tell us in the comments here on the blog, share them with us on Facebook or Instagram with the #bplspice hashtag, or stop by the library.
Still looking for some ways to use ancho chile powder in your kitchen? Even though I ultimately didn’t include them in the handout, I was intrigued by Pozole Rojo (Braised Pork Shoulder Pozole), Ancho Chicken Enchiladas (though be forewarned you may need more ancho chile powder than we’ve provided), Slow Cooker Carnitas, and Ancho Chile Brownies.
Recipes in handout lightly adapted from originals in Café Sucre Farine, All Recipes, Food Network, and Savory Experiments (for two recipes actually) and a special thank you to Kelli for transcribing Aracely’s personal recipe!
What’s your favorite recipe that uses ancho? Which recipe are you most excited to try? What spices do you use the most in your cooking? Tell us in the comments!
Berryville Book Buzz 