I received the last order of chile powder in the mail yesterday before I went to work. I have decided that to introduce the first two of the chile powders today: Hot and mild Chimayó Chile Powders from The Santa Fe School of Cooking

So I am starting with the Santa Fe School of Cooking powders because they come in stainless steel resealable tins. Really it is more like a small paint can, but it's nice. I have been ordering this chile powder from the school's store for 2 years now, and each time I finish a can it is months before I can bring myself to toss out the tin. The tins are really nice.

I thought that I should start with this powder for another reason as well. It is pretty much my iconic chile powder right now. This is the one to beat. I love thie chile powder. Except for the price...

The Santa Fe School of Cooking, offers it's Chimayó Chile in 4 ounce tins(even harder to toss out) at $7.00 each, and 12 ounce tins, at $14.00 each. I generally buy 4 cans at a time 2 mild, 2 medium after shipping it puts me back $68 and come change. The tins generally arrive in about 2 weeks. The shipping time could definetly be improved on. They were the slowest shipper of the lot - and the most expensive. So far however, once I get the can in my hands it is worth every penny.

So far the chile delivered by the school has been pretty top notch. The powder has a deep rich nose, lots of fruit, deep tannins, and a hint of smoke. the color is like a pigment in color and grind. Both the mild and the hot powders are fully pallatible right out of the can, and it is worth taking a teaspoon to get a good taste of the full flavor offered by each. Try either of these powders in place of the generic "chili powder" you find at the grocer, and you will never go back. there is just no comparison.

In my opinion the medium is the better of the two powders though they are both really exceptional, the flavor in the medium is a much richer taste, lots of character, and the burn is definitely hot but not intolerably so.

In the end The Santa Fe School of Cooking offers really wonderful chile in a snazzy tin. The tin might explain why it cost as much as twice as much as the others. If that's true then they should offer a refill alternative, cause the tins are keepers, and $14 + shipping a pop is high.

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