This Thanksgiving, a judicious use of red chile will spark up our holiday table. The dark, tangy robust flavor of dried red chile works well to counter the richness of many of the side dishes. It also proves a welcome change to boring salt and pepper seasoning.
Red chile pairs beautifully with sweet potato. Think sweet and savory, such as caramel corn mixed with cheese corn. The combo just works. A little sprinkle of dried chile powder stirred into mashed sweets lightened with cream and butter takes this delicious tuber into new territory. Find dried powdered guajillo peppers in stores with a large Mexican section or substitute dried powder ancho pepper or ordinary chili powder.
