please help!!!!!! i've been given a large amount of small chillies and would l
love to dry some for future use but haven't a clue what to do ,anyone out there
that could help??????? many thanks jill

Hi jill -

Open freeze some of them, then put into container or polythene bag and pop back in the freezer.

I do this and just take out the chilli and grate off whatever I need. You can only use them in cooked dishes though, not in salads

I do the same with fresh ginger root.

They keep for ages!!

Hi edd 1996

Make some Chilli oil for future use?

250ml olive oil, not extra virgin. handful of small chillies. Lay chillies between two sheets of clingfilm and crush gently with a rolling pin or similar, not too hard, you are just breaking the skin. Pop chillies into bottle and top with oil. Leave in a cool dark place for at least 1 week, will keep for ages.

If you want a spicy herb oil, as above but also put into the bottle 4 of each of, sprigs of thyme, rosemary and bay leaves with a teaspoon of fennel seeds and one of mixed pepper corns.

NB: BE careful of the chillies when bottling, the oil will stay on your hands for a long time and the pain is exquisite if you touch the wrong places.

Enjoy

David