Roasting Green Chiles at Home: It is Possible

Roasting chiles doesn't have to be a daunting task. You can do it in your own home. Of course getting roasted chiles straight from the farm is the best, but not all of us have that luxury. Here's my story about spending roughly 3 hours roasting half a bushel of Anaheim green chiles.

Anaheim chiles 

 In this morning's mail came my chiles from Pueblo county. The nickname for this type of chile is Big Jim. A fitting name because they are huge.

Cleanliness is important

I started my work by rinsing and drying each chile. You might want to consider wearing gloves throughout this process. I didn't and I have a slight burning sensation between my fingers as I'm typing. It's up to you, though. It's nothing like chopping fresh jalapeno.  Next I put some aluminum foil over my cookie sheet and placed the peppers on top.

Ready for the oven

I chose to broil on low. It might take longer, but I like to multitask. This may be why I finished in just a few hours. Or maybe I just don't like to wait around. You might want to make sure you have tongs and a thick potholder nearby.

My first batch in the oven.

I ended up raising the rack up for the second batch, but it still worked this way. While the chiles are broiling I got 2 large ziplock bags out, rinsed and dried more chiles and folded some clothes. The rest of the clothes sat until I was done. 

When they look charred enough, take them out and flip them and put them back in the oven. This is when the tongs come in handy. Now is the time to get your next cookie sheet of chiles ready for the oven. 

Bagged up

When the chiles have charred to your liking quickly get them into the large bag and zip it up. They will need to steam for about 20 minutes. This makes the skin easier to remove and gives it more cooking time. By the time you get those bagged up your second batch is already in the oven and broiling away. And now it's time to remove the used foil and replace it, then wash some more. There's always something to do.

Be careful

A word to the wise. Don't get your plastic bag too close to the hot cookie sheet. It's not easy to steam in a bag with a hole. I had to learn the hard way. 

Remove the skin

When time is up on the steaming get those puppies to the cutting board and remove the skin. Most of it comes off easily. So I used my fingers. Then I removed the stem and slit it near the top. Most of the seeds are near the stem. 

My first batch of chiles

As you can see I don't really sweat a few seeds. If you want it seed free, you can rinse them with water. I think it might dilute the taste. I'm not afraid of a little heat.

All bagged up

Bagging up the chiles is the easy part. I did let them sit out for some time. Of course I was still pretty busy with my other batches. But the photo above shows what I get out of my first batch. That's five bags of chiles ready for me to use this winter. 

Scrambled eggs with roasted chiles

All this roasting made me hungry. So I decided to scramble some eggs with one of my chiles. It took a little time, but it will be worth it later. I have 15 bags of roasted green chiles in my freezer. I don't have to, dare I say it, buy a can of green chiles from the store. And if you'd like to try this, go to a local farm and get some Anaheim chiles or whatever kind you like and go for it. It's really not so hard. 

The Bell Willl Ring Blue?

DING-DONG!
Tonight the bell will ring in Pueblo. The oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi still survives. At 7:00 MST the Central Wildcats will take on the Centennial Bulldogs. Dutch Clark Stadium will be rocked tonight by 15,000 students, staff, alumni and football fans.

Fans heading to the Bell Gam

The Bell Game as it's commonly known in Pueblo will mark the 125th game between the two competitors. I know Bell Game sounds a little strange to those not from Pueblo; so I'll try to explain. Every year since 1892 Central and Centennial take to the field to prove dominance. Imagine a small version of the Liberty Bell coated in blue or red. That's what's at stake at tonight's showdown. As a Pueblo native stated, "I don't want to know how many coats of paint are on that bell." The winning team earns the honor of keeping the colored bell until the next year. According to online sources Central has won the Bell game 56 times and Centennial has taken possession 51 times. Over the years, there were 9 tie games.

Central's Wildcat

My grandma was a majorette at Central and my mom cheered along with the Pep club. My aunt enjoyed watching the Wildcats win the same year they went to state. "The bell rings blue" has been a common saying at Central High School for decades at school assemblies. Although I might be a little biased, I think history has proven that the Wildcats have a decent chance of winning.

As early as 4:00 PM cars have been backed up for blocks heading to the game. Loyal fans in painted vehicles from both schools lined 4th Street and was backed up passed Midtown. Somewhere between 8-12 police cars are currently monitoring the game to prevent rowdies from going too far. Back the 1970s some Centennial fans painted the grass at Central with red paint. Central officials warned students not to retaliate.

Cars spilled out of the stadium lot to neighboring streets

I like to think if I'd stayed living in Pueblo, I would be a Central alumni. Even though I'm not, I'm still rooting for the Wildcats to defeat the Bulldogs tonight. Go Wildcats!

Making Pueblo Green Chile in Missouri

It is possible to make the famous Pueblo Green Chile in other states. Today I decided to do just that. Those in Pueblo have the luxury of taking a trip to the county and purchasing chiles straight from the growers and getting them roasted on the spot. I had roasted some up over the summer in my oven and saved them in the freezer. Today I felt like one smart cookie as I dug them out of the depths of my freezer. I set them out to thaw as I went to the store for some ingredients.

Here's my steps to making a taste of my hometown.

I start by making a roux with oil and flour. Then I put it in a bowl to use later.

Then I brown some cubed pork loin. And put it in a pot with chicken broth.

I know you are thinking this takes some time to make. And it does. But the end is worth it.

Next I browned onions and garlic. Does garlic caramelize faster than onions for you? I think it does for me.

 Then I added the garlic and onions to the pork and chicken broth. This is when it starts going quicker. Add hot Rotel, stewed tomatoes, chopped chiles and jalapeno. And don't forget the roux.

Bring it to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes. I like to cook it a little longer to make sure the pork is done. Now it's time for the best part. While the chile is cooking, I fry up some hamburgers.  When everything is done this is what I get to eat.

Yummy Slopper

This is my version of the Pueblo Slopper. A hamburger smothered with Pueblo Green Chile and topped with shredded cheddar and chopped onions. It's a delicious treat. I'd rather chow down on this at Coors Tavern and wash it down with a beer. But since I'm in Missouri, this is what I get. 

What's one of your favorite hometown foods? 

Once a Cottage Now a Castle

Nineteen years ago I had my first glimpse of a more than unique Colorado attraction. One reason it's different is because it's very inexpensive. The owners just ask for a donation. I remember thinking, "What the heck is this place?" My family played around and marveled at the architecture and mountain views and left.

July 1997 

But it took a few years and a little research to discover the story behind this amazing castle in the mountains. Fifteen year old Jim Bishop saved money from delivering newspapers and mowing lawns to purchase a couple of acres near San Isabel National Forest. Jim also worked at his father's Pueblo business, Bishop Ornamental Iron Shop.

My sons on the third level in 1997

This castle began as a one room cottage for Jim and his wife. He started building in 1969 and is still working on it.

We made it.

You will find a scenic drive on the short trek from Pueblo, Colorado via I-25 to 165. I'm glad I got to go back in 2010 with my sister, brother, brother-in-law and sons.

View from the road.

Jim encountered more than a few set backs in his venture. As word got about his building, the government looked into the fact he used rocks from the nearby national forest. They tried to charge him for the rocks.

My brother on the third floor.

Jim also lost a son on the property when a tree they were trying to remove fell on him. He was quoted as saying he kept working through his tears.

View from the third floor.

He also got smacked in the face when the Colorado State tourism department refused to include his castle in their brochures. Luckily, over time that changed. It's not surprising, though that Jim Bishop has some different views about the government and isn't shy about expressing them. If you go when he's around, don't be surprised if you receive an earful.

Sign at the castle

 Even though Jim likes to express his views, it's worth a trip to see something so unique. And I'm not the only one who thinks Bishop's Castle is one of a kind. Last year a rare form of cancer struck Jim Bishop and he signed over the deed to the castle to a friend or a con artist depending on who's telling the story. This guy started making plans to add security to the castle and change a lot more than just the name. Never fear, the Bishops were able to get back their castle and Jim is doing better.

Some people are brave enough to get on the metal bridge. I'm not one of them.

So if you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Colorado. I'd definitely recommend taking some time to marvel at Bishop's Castle.

My brother chatting with Jim Bishop.

Thanks for reading this. I hope I was able to do the castle justice.

Resources:.http://www.westword.com/news/renowned-roadside-attraction-bishop-castle-under-siege-in-southern-colorado-7090379

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christianpiatt/2011/09/killed-by-a-castle/

http://www.koaa.com/story/28895416/bishop-castle-gets-a-new-owner

A Little Chapel in the Mountains

Driving into Colorado from Missouri I'm always on the lookout for Pikes Peak. It's the first mountain landmark I can easily distinguish. After that I look southwest for the Spanish Peaks. They are super easy to spot. Look for two mountain tops real close to each other. The Ute Indians who first inhabited this area called them "Wahatoya" which means "Breasts of the Earth". Look below and you'll see why it's a fitting name.

Spanish Peaks

So why do I care about the "Breasts of the Earth"? I guess it's because every time Mom and I travel to Colorado she's looking for the Spanish Peaks. So in turn I do the same. I know I've been there before. There are photos to prove it. But until fairly recently I couldn't remember visiting these mountains.

My parents were married at Cuchara Chapel 43 years ago.

Mom's not the only one who looks for the Spanish Peaks. They've been used by Spanish explorers for hundreds of years to find routes to the interior of Colorado.  According to legends the first Europeans into the area were Spanish militia and some priests looking for gold. They found a vein of gold and enslaved native Indians to dig up the gold. Once they had the gold, they killed the Indians and headed south to Cuchara Pass. Somewhere near the river banks they were ambushed by Indians and killed. I'm going to assume for retribution.

River at Cuchara

The first recorded exploration of the Spanish Peaks comes from 1706. This is 100 years before Zebulon Pike discovered Pikes Peak. Militia from Santa Fe came up to put an end to the Comanche raids. It took some time, but they finally killed Green Horn a great Comanche war chief. In the 1820s the Spanish Peaks provided direction for travelers on the Santa Fe trail.

Entering Cuchara

Nestled in the Spanish Peaks is Cuchara. This is where my mom was married. This town wasn't always called Cuchara, though. It used to be called Nunda Valley. Nunda is an Indian word for potato. The first Anglos came to the valley because land was free as long as they built a house with a real door and window. These Anglos followed in the ways of the Indians and planted potatoes in the meadows. By the end of the 1800s the valley was referred to a Cuchara.

Returning to the chapel in 2013

The word Cuchara is Spanish for spoon. There are two different reasons for the name. One legend says that early explorers found spoons along the river. Unless spoons have a different meaning, I'm not inclined to believe that story. The second story claims it's named spoon after the spoon shape of the valley itself. This sounds a little more plausible to me.
A few years ago, Mom got her wish and my brother and I accompanied her to Cuchara. The air was cool and crisp on this July morning and the chapel area was quiet.

Mom took this photo of us.

After visiting the chapel we visited the shops in town. By then there were more people roaming around and shopping.

Love the sign and flowers

In 1908 George Mayes and his wife moved to Cuchara valley for the health benefits. Once he laid eyes on the the valley, he decided it would be a great place for a summer resort. By 1910 there were several cabins in Cuchara and it became a real community.

One of the Cuchara cabins

I love mountain wildflowers!

The Spanish Peaks are also home to a neat geologic feature that's commonly known as Devil's Backbone. They are actually the eroded remains of dikes. Dikes are created when magma tunnels through existing rock. Over time the surrounding rock eroded leaving the igneous rock exposed.

Devil's backbone 

One of my favorite photos has trees growing out of a rock on Devil's Backbone.

So cool!

The only thing left to do is bring my sister to Cuchara someday. I'm glad I'll have another opportunity to visit this town again. Do you know any special Colorado towns? Share them with me. I'd love to find more small mountain towns to visit.

Resources: http://www.lavetarealty.com/area-info/history-and-legends/
                  http://lavetacucharachamber.com/visitor-info/area-history/

Town of Many Names

A gorgeous valley

What do outlaws, soldiers, native americans and pine trees have in common?
You shall soon find out.

For years my grandma, mom and aunt would talk about visiting this place in Colorado. I can't recall ever going until 2016. I'd hear them talk about "It's so peaceful." "We had a lovely time." But I couldn't appreciate this beautiful valley until I visited myself.

The lush valley hugging the Wet Mountains was well known by several Native American tribes before any fur traders laid eyes on it.

The sound of rushing water

By 1834 the valley was discovered by Robert Fisher. Robert was born in 1807 in Virginia and came west to become a trader, hunter and guide. He named the valley "Fisher's Hole". The name stuck for almost 30 years. 

I don't know about hunting, but wildlife still remains here.

In 1859 Fisher's Hole was taken over by a Mexican bandit, Juan Mace. Mace used the valley to hide his stolen livestock. And he was very clever about it. Mace used lookouts in the mountains to warn when trespassers were coming so he would have time to hide his loot. The new name of the valley became Mace's Hole. By this time there were a few settlers in the valley and they didn't care for Mace and his bandits. The last straw came when Mace started robbing his valley neighbors. The local settlers got together and created a trap for Mace and his posse. The trap netted 8 bandits and they were immediately hung and Mace's hideout was burnt to the ground. Although 4 bandits remained at large, they never resurfaced in Mace's Hole again. No one is sure whether Mace was killed or not, but at least he wasn't terrorizing the locals anymore.

Pine trees make amazing hiding places.

During the Civil War Southern commander John Heffinger was gathering troops in the mountains southwest of Pueblo. It's rumored they were meeting at Mace's Hole. Based on its prior history, it doesn't seem far fetched. 

Just a little piece of current Main Street.

In 1871 the first schoolhouse was built; along with the one room school came a local church. In 1873 Mace's Hole gained a post office. Main street was lined with a few stores and small businesses. Before long Colorado would become an official state in the United States of America. When this happened in 1876 locals of Mace's Hole decided that the name of their home should be fitting of the area, not named after a thief. On October 25, 1876 they officially named their establishment "Beulah".

Morning sun streaming through the trees.

Today Beulah is an unincorporated community, but that doesn't detract from the rich history. It also doesn't encompass the beautiful views and peaceful, relaxing memories that can be made there. 

Now I think I get why my family always made such a big deal about going out to Beulah. You can spend an hour or spend a few days there, but the lush surroundings and quiet times will stay with you forever. 

There aren't enough photos to show the tremendous views.

Let me know what you think of this not so official town.

Sources:  http://pueblopulp.com/quiet-little-place-beulah-colorado

               http://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/mace/1053/

              http://members.tripod.com/mr_sedivy/colorado16.html

              http://www.chieftain.com/mobile/mneighbors/4168188-123/beulah-mace-pueblo-hole

             http://bootsfamily.8m.com/murray8beulah.html

#southerncolorado #history #maceshole #getaway #BeulahColorado