Thursday, December 27, 2007

Fire Eaters' Chile



A Century ago, horticulturalist Fabian Garcia planted the seeds that grew into New Mexico's $400 million chile-pepper industry. He created a pod that growers and consumers could depend on, both in terms of size and in terms of consistent, predictable heat. Today, more than 16,000 acres of New Mexico chiles are under cultivation in the land of enchantment, and and the result is tons of red and green chile peppers.

New Mexico’s favorite foods have one common ingredient: The New Mexico Chile, spelled C-H-I-L-E. This spelling is the subject of some debate. I explain this while I firing rounds from a Vaquero single action revolver in my latest show. Please watch it so you understand, once and for all, that Chili with an “I” is a Texas soup.

The chile is very much a part of New Mexican culture. The ristras that decorate homes in the fall -- strings of red chiles -- are being sun-dried for preservation. Some are used for decoration; most are later roasted and used to make chile powder and sauces.

Who says guns and cooking don't mix? Part cooking show, part redneck games, watch me prepare chile powder from roasted New Mexico chile peppers, and then I share my world famous recipe for Fire Eaters’ Chile.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

And Now for Something Completely Different!

Who says guns and cooking don't mix? Part cooking show, part redneck games, watch Peckhammer prepare Guajillo Glazed Turkey and Cornbread Soyrizo Stuffing during episode one.



Peckhammer shares his favorite Southwest recipes and takes viewers on his hunting adventures, which typically go awry. He then creates healthy, simple, delicious dishes, always making one item for "them hippy vegetarians."

Friday, October 19, 2007

Three Bottles of Wine and 109 Ponies Don't Mix

R1200R

Let me be the first to say, it's not the story you think it is...

I was out with Girl Wonder enjoying the last few days before the monsoon, taking a leisurely two-up ride along the coastline. We hugged the shore starting in Alkai Beach, and worked our way towards the Vashon Island Ferry. From there we headed back to Seattle, eventually climbing over the West Seattle Bridge towards Columbia City, and meandering through Seattle's many neighborhoods. Near the end of our ride, Girl Wonder said she needed to pick up some wine that was on sale at Dread Meyer.

While she was in the store getting the vino, I decided to do some emergency stopping drills in the parking lot. I like to know what to expect when you squeeze hard on the binders.

I must say, the R1200R's braking system is impressive. I was able to haul the bike down from 60 mph to a nice predictable stop without ever engaging the ABS. The front rotors were literally howling as I engaged the brakes just short of sliding. Very cool.

Girl Wonder returned with three bottles of Pepperwood, ready to head home. Since we are still waiting for the BMW system cases to arrive, she placed the three bottles into her backpack. I had to pull out into a swift stream of traffic, so I whacked the throttle open in the same way I had been doing all day.

The front wheel lofted skyward like a wild horse trying hard not to be tamed. I completed my right hand turn on one wheel, and then the front dropped a little abruptly as I let off too much throttle.

"What za hell was that," she inquired? My reply? "I think I missed this warning in the manual: Three bottles of wine hanging out past the rear wheel can adversely affect handling."

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

A Balanced Approach



Girl Wonder told me that before buying a new motorcycle, we should check out the new BMWs. When your woman is the one to suggest motorcycle shopping, you don't question it. You find your riding gear and get there any way you can before she changes her mind.

We've been riding so much in the dirt the last few years, I figured that we should give the 650 X-series bikes a look. What we discovered instead was the 2007 R1200R; A bike with classic roots that have evolved into a modern, cutting-edge motorcycle. With its striking appearance, relaxed ergos, Telelever suspension, and ABS, the R1200R is one of the finest motorcycles I've ridden. Precise handling, 109 ponies and plenty of torque make the package irresistible.