This issue is getting to you all a little late. I'm sorry, but what can I say? Life happens.

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. Lisa and I hosted a big get together for 15 members of our family. I cooked two turkeys (I'll show you a recipe later), and of course we had a ham, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, dressing, gravy, cranberries, and of course several different pies for dessert.

Since then we've been busy getting ready for Christmas! What a wonderful time of year. We...well Lisa mostly...have been decorating the house. We bought lots of new lights to trim the roof, the old fashioned kind, big and multi-colored.

This weekend we spent a day shopping and picking out a tree. And, on Sunday we went to a Christmas Pageant at my Mom's church. I just love Christmas.

Of course Christmas is about giving so I'm going to share some gift ideas with you for the chilehead in your life. Lisa and I are always trying new pepper products. These are all things we have actually purchased and tried.

Most importantly, we want to wish every one of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday! For the last time this year, enjoy this issue of The Heat!.

The Best Gift

Before sharing a few ideas for presents I wanted to offer you a few suggestions in the true spirit of giving. Two organizations that Lisa and I support are the local SPCA and the Komen Foundation. The Susan G. Komen Foundation was formed to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease, and has grown to be a global leader in this fight. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is committed to fighting animal cruelty, you can help save a life today by visiting your local SPCA shelter or donating online.

There is no better gift you can give than one that helps others. So, this holiday season donate to your favorite charity or one of ours.

Gift Ideas

Now for the chilehead in your life, I've got several places for you to visit. When I shop for hot sauces I know exactly where to go. I recommended the site last year and nothing has changed. I'll also show you a great site for buying jewelry, all kinds of cheffing jewelry. And a great food company you may have seen on the Food Network. Finally, for those of you who like Mexican food as much as I do, my favorite cookbook.

Lisa and I found this place at a Hot Sauce Festival earlier this year and have been in love with their products since. Comida Loca makes the most delicious chile soups you'll find anywhere. I know, ordering soup over the internet sounds weird but try their Green Chile Chicken Soup once and I promise you'll agree with us.

If you are into jewelry and cooking, and I know many of you are, The Jewelry Kitchen is a place you'll love. Lisa has one of their chile pepper bracelets, but they carry a whole line of pins, bracelets, earrings and pendents dedicated just to cooking and chefs.

I am frequently asked where I shop for sauces when I need to replenish my cupboard. I try new barbecue sauces and hot sauces all the time, but my favorite is still Jim Campbell's Mild to Wild Pepper Company. Jim grows and processes his own peppers and bottles all of his own gourmet sauces. Believe me, you can taste the difference. There is just no substitute for quality and you won't find any better than here.

I love Mexican food and the absolute best source for authentic mexican recipes is Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen. Rick gives you recipes for almost anything you can imagine from basic sauces and salsas to elaborate meals just like they cook south of the border.

I hope this helps you get some ideas for the pepper lover in your life. Now I've got a few quick recipes for you. This first one is a new Roast Turkey recipe I tried Thanksgiving that turned out wonderful.

Roast Turkey Recipe

This recipe was so simple you'll be amazed. First I cleaned the bird as you normally would and rubbed it inside and out with a little olive oil. Next I stuffed it with an apple, a pear and a tangerine all quartered. Of course I had to add some peppers, use your favorite, I used 4 jalapenos chopped up. Finally, add a handful of your favorite fresh herbs, I used thyme. Now just cook the bird as you normally would depending on the size. The trick is to get all the flavors and aromas from the different fruits and herbs circulating around inside the bird.

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Finally, here is a recipe you'll love from All-Recipes.com

Cinnamon and Lime Chicken Fajitas

"Potatoes and chicken breast meat flavored with warm and lively seasonings are the fixings for some seriously tasty fajitas! Complete the dish with your favorite toppings, and serve with beans and rice."

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
salt and pepper to taste
2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup canola oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno peppers
1 lime, juiced
12 (6 inch) corn tortillas, warmed

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. Place potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Drizzle with about 1/2 the oil, and season with salt. Bake 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until tender.

3. Meanwhile, season chicken with cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a separate baking dish, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Cool and shred.

4. Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute onion and garlic until tender. Mix in shredded chicken, jalapeno, and lime juice. Cook until heated through.

5. Serve the chicken and potatoes in warmed tortillas.
 

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