Autumn is a traditional time when we preserve the foods that have become part of our being. The processes have evolved with technology. Gas burners replace the nonnas’ stoking fires to ensure the jars seal and the cantina is restocked. Last year a cousin introduced me to the preservation of chilli peppers. The taste for me was out of this world. I stalked her and called her through out the year to make sure I would not miss the timing to learn the process. The taste was incredible and I enjoy them either with a plate of pasta or sprinkled on oven dried bread. My mouth is watering right now as I write.

Determined, I headed to Costco and purchased a 16 litre jug of canola oil. The previous day I took instruction on how to proceed. I cultivated the peppers, washed them with the help of my wife and started cutting in small pieces. My mom guided me on how to use the outdoor burners. I poured the oil into the deep dish frying pan and tested the oil to make sure it was hot enough. Not thinking, I screamed in agony as the tip of my pinkie finger melted away. My wife laughed as I saw the gates of heaven. To add insult to injury, I wiped my eye without washing my hand after cutting. WTF!!! The burning, the yelling, I was blind I couldn’t see as tears poured from my eyes to subdue the irritation.

While running around like a chicken without a head the peppers on the stove at high heat burned to a crisp. They were blacker than me as if I would be having a coronary. They just didn’t taste the same thus I had to consult with the expert as I was upset.

Not realizing how hot the jar would be from filling it with the hot oil I burned myself again as I took a sample over to her. Proud of my accomplishment I had her taste the result. She spit the charcoal carbon as if I gave her poison. She ordered me to bring the rest to her and she showed me the way. We laughed and I realized greatness can’t be duplicated as nobody does it better! Practice makes perfect.

Sincerely-Philip Magnoli- My friends call me Don Filippo – The FX Specialist- www.donfilippo.ca

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