Ross, we've just published the official version of this recipe, so mash away. (These are so freakin' good I strong-armed Mark into making a big vat of them for Thanksgiving dinner chez moi.)

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Sandi, if you're using that T&G retaining wall stuff (150x50) then you'll have no probs.

But make sure you use sturdy corner posts, and if your bed length is greater than two metres then put a post halfway down the runner. When you water soil it can become very heavy and *will* warp the runners.

Last time I built a raised bed, I lined it with a layer of black polythene with holes and gravel in the bottom for good drainage.

Want a hot tip? If you're growing chiles in a bed, prep your soil then cover with black polythene. Plant your chiles through holes in the poly. This does two things: keeps the soil nice and warm, which chile roots like, and prevents evaporation of water. I grow in big pots and use a layer of coarse gravel on top to achieve the same thing. Poke many little holes all over the poly as well, for watering.

And leave the spiders and ladybirds alone! They are good for your chiles and tomatoes as they eat those pesky whiteflies

Jen told me about this recipe a while back. Yes, it's tasty

Oh, I added some cheese.

Great links there Ross. I think I have found the chilli.

My task this month is to build some raised vegetable beds. I have never tackled such a job before, so armed with a hammer, a bit of tongue and groove and a tape measure...... I will either make something or break something !

Try the chipotles in some mashed sweet potatoes with butter and cream -- to die for.

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

My chilies will be of quite different sizes, flavors and heat levels.

Check out my supplier and do a search for the varieties in my post above.

Check out their fun things to grow page as well

That NZ site looks good. You want to get some chipotles (dried, smoked jalapenos) from her. Yeow!

Out of curiousity how big are these chilli's?

My chilli goddess is this wonderful lady (who used to be my neighbour many moons ago). http://www.qgardens.net.nz/ Anyhow towards the end of the season, she gave me a bag of small chilli's to try from a new variety she was experimenting with. They are the same shape as what you have posted, however they are small, about the size of half a wine cork. Crickey, did they turn out to be little rippers. I just adore them, wish I knew what they were? (I feel its rude to have asked her).

Normally I use tiny chilli's from Thailand, but they are small, fiddly and I need lots of them.  Whereas this new variety of chilli are bigger, easier to deal with and pack a delightful punch.

Any idea's?

Ross, considering how high we are above sea level -- and in desert, to boot -- the flooding was quite surprising, and quite impressive. That is, destructive.

Cold front and more rain expected tomorrow, at least in El Paso.

The Hatch Chile Festival will be held this year on Sep 2-3.

Do take Jennifer's word on the quality of Hatch peppers.

No, but I understand they had some serious flooding down there, or thereabouts, and it hurt this year's crop.

Hatch has a big chile festival in October(?), I think.

And what glory it comprises.

BTW, have you tried Hatch chiles from New Mexico? They are delicious along with smoked chipotles in mashed sweet potatoes.

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Dowry? Man, would I like have a rummage around in *that* glory box

NB: glory box is Kiwi for hope chest.

Just know that the postage is coming out of my dowry.

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Ok, I promise.

Your turn

That might be arranged, Ross, but first you have to promise me that from now on you will use the correct spelling of "n'est ce pas."

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Oh, the tyranny of distance!

Of course, that doesn't mean you can't send me some chocolat, Mademoiselle... nes pas?

My heart lilts with anticipation and adores the prospect of a small gift

Damn, Ross...I just received some lovely chocolate samples today. If we lived closer we could make magic.

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

That would be late February. Also coincides with my birthday

Good Ross, peppers make the dish a lot of times. I'll be vacationing in NZ one of these years and I'll try to time it with your harvest. Enjoy!

Oh, I'm sure my seeds *came* from Texas, Lance

Good company to deal with. They confirmed my order was sent on Monday, and the package arrived today, Saturday. Pretty good since they had to cross a continent and then the Pacific.

Ross, they grow peppers in North Carolina? You sure it's not a scam?
If you want peppers you call Texas. We got beef, too.