SMART SHOPPING: DRIED ANCHO CHILES

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Ancho chiles, technically dried poblano peppers, are dark mahogany red, with wrinkly skin and deep, sweet, raisiny flavor. Their heat level is mild to medium. Just as dried fruit has a more concentrated taste than its fresh counterpart, chiles gain a more intense character when dried. For dried chiles with the best flavor, buy ones that are pliable and smell slightly fruity.