Default User > wrote:

>Sqwertz wrote:

>> On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:26:31 -0600, Scott wrote:

>> > ...on the timing or at what stage you should add your spices and
>> > herbs? For example with chili do you add the spices to the meat
>> > before adding the liquids or after?

>> It's best to add chile powders and seed spices (like cumin)
>> before you add liquids so the spices will have a chance to fry in
>> any oils in the pan. This releases their flavor.

>What Steve said. If you don't have good vent system, be a little
>careful at this stage as it can produce some powerful vapor if you're
>using hot chiles.

That's true -- the indigenous people of the Southwest used to
sometimes off their enemies by throwing flaming chili pods into their
underground kivas.

Steve