Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Make Your Own Hot Pepper Flakes

Hot Pepper Flakes
from: oldworldgardenfarms.com

Select hot peppers of your choice. Wash and rinse the peppers off, cut off the stem and then dry them off with a towel and place on cookie sheets.  Make sure you line the cookie sheets with aluminum foil.
Turn on the oven heat to a very low setting (usually 160 to 170 degrees) and let the peppers roast on low for about 8 to 10 hours.  If you have to leave just turn off the oven and resume again when you come home – no harm done at all to the drying peppers.
When your peppers have turned crisp and dry (usually 8 to 10 hours – but it can be a few more or less depending on the dryness of the peppers) take them out and let them cool completely.  Then place into your food processor or food chopper and in a matter of seconds you have fresh home-made pepper flakes.  
If you want to make hot pepper powder (like cayenne) – just simply take your flakes and run them through a food mill to remove the seeds – and your left with  a fine powder that can be used in dishes, soups, and sauces. 
Store in an airtight container.


Tips: 
1. When handling hot peppers wearing gloves when preparing them protects your hands.
2. Mix up a few teaspoons of hot pepper flakes or powder in a gallon jug of water.  Let it stand for a day or two and then use a mister to apply to plants where bunnies or other critters can be a problem.  One taste of the hot pepper on the leaves and they tend to leave it alone.  Just remember to re-apply after any rain that might wash off the hot spray.

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