Personalized Chili Powder

• 1 1/2 ounces (about 6) dried red chiles of moderate heat, preferably ancho and New Mexican (we mix them 4 to 2 respectively)
• 2 to 5 (more or less, to taste) dried red chiles of greater heat (we choose either chile de arbol or cayenne)
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons garlic powder, preferably one that hasnt sat on the grocers shelf for 3 years
• 1 tablespoon ground oregano, preferably Mexican

1. Preheat the oven to 300F.
2. Break the stems from all the chiles and remove the seeds.
3. Transfer the chiles to a baking sheet and arrange them in a single layer.
4. Place the pan in the oven.
5. The chile de arbol or cayenne pods will be toasted first so remove them after 4 or 5 minutes.
6. Bake the larger pods an additional 4 or 5 minutes until they are well dried.
7. When the chiles are cool enough to handle break them into two or three pieces each and transfer them to a blender.
8. Pulverize the pods briefly until you have powder.
9. Add the remaining ingredients and blend just until they are combined.
10. Store the chili powder in a jar or other covered container for up to 3 months.

moderate, greater, cumin seeds, garlic, ground oregano

Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/personalized-chili-powder (may not work)