So what have I been up to? Oddly enough, I'm doing well in this down season. I got to go to the Chicago Food Film Festival as a V.I.P. thanks to knowing one of the film makers, who did a great film on New Mexico's Chile Growers and the economy and attitudes about continuing the farming of these most excellent chiles.

I got to meet Lee Ann Whippen from Chicago Q restaurant, and of BBQ Pitmasters fame, and sample some of her amazing bbq.

I ended up going for the last 3-4 days of the festival (I can't remember when it ended... but the post-film parties and tastings were terrific, even for someone like me, with social anxiety. I found some safe space and managed to do ok, and we didn't stay too long at the parties.

This year I also went to a "Friendsgiving" get together that our friend Sarah puts on each year, and I made my salsa from the previous year, which again was met with high acclaim. (Sorry I don't have a photo of that!) I also tried out a new recipe, and made some tomatillo & ghost pepper hot sauce that came out absolutely amazing. It was popular, and people were surprised that they could taste the fruitiness of the peppers in the hot sauce.

Also, I used the leftover turkey from thanksgiving to make some southwestern turkey stew (it wasn't quite chili, but it was good!) that turned out well.

In any case, that's what's been going on with me. Its been quite an active down-season. Sad to say, though, I'm not likely to make it to many, if any, Chili Cookoffs this year. Finances and lack of transportation have made this a hard year, never mind that the partner and I have recently just barely got over a nasty cold, and I haven't had a chance to renew my ICS membership due to finances. Ah well, I'll be even more prepared when my next opportunity arrives. :)

Here are some photos to enjoy. 

FoodFest VIP Badge: 

Fireotter's Ghost Tomatillo & Roasted Pepper hot sauce:

And that southwestern turkey stew:

Enjoy!