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SMART SHOPPING: Chipotle Chiles in Adobo

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Canned chipotle chiles are jalapeños that have been ripened until red, then smoked and dried. They are sold as is, ground to a powder, or packed in a tomato-based sauce. We prefer the latter because the chiles are already reconstituted by the sauce, making them easier to use. Most recipes don’t require an entire can, but these chiles will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or they can be frozen. To freeze, puree the chiles and quick-freeze teaspoonfuls on a plastic wrap-covered plate. Once the teaspoons of chiles are hard, peel them off the plastic and transfer them to a zipper-lock freezer bag. The chiles can be stored this way for up to 2 months. Thaw what you need before use.