Cooking

To some, chile might be considered a condiment, but in New Mexico it takes center stage. Going back four centuries, native tribes, Spanish missionaries, conquistadors and Anglos alike craved capsicum, and chile became infused in the state's cuisine, culture and heritage. Beloved events like the annual Fiery Foods Show bring together thousands of artisans specializing in chile. The Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University devoutly researches the complexity of chile and releases carefully crafted varieties. Legendary farms like Jimmy Lytle's in Hatch and Matt Romero's in Alcalde carry on generations-old practices in the face of dwindling natural resources. Acclaimed restaurants continue to find inspiration in chile, from classic dishes to innovative creations. Join local author and award-winning documentary filmmaker Chile Chica Kelly Brinn Urig for the enchanting history of chile.

Brewing in New Mexico began in the 1850s when small breweries serviced short-lived boomtowns teeming with early settlers thirsty for brew. By the time Prohibition came in 1918, New Mexico breweries were completely tapped out. It wasn't until 1988, when the Santa Fe Brewing Company began slaking local thirsts, that beer was again brewed in New Mexico. By the late 1990s, New Mexico was experiencing a resurgence in local brewing. Today, the state boasts a craft brewing renaissance. New Mexican breweries receive national attention, including eight medals at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Join author Jon C. Stott as he recounts New Mexico's brewing history, collects hops heritage and samples local brewpubs from across the state.

Albuquerque's commercial brewing scene dates back to 1888, when the Southwestern Brewery & Ice Company was launched. It later churned out thirty thousand barrels of beer per year and distributed throughout the region. Nearly thirty years later, Prohibition halted brewing save for a brief comeback in the late 1930s. In 1993, the modern era emerged with a handful of breweries opening across the city. However, Marble Brewery's 2008 opening revived Albuquerque's dormant craft beer scene. Since its opening, the city has welcomed dozens of breweries, brewpubs and taprooms. Writer Chris Jackson recounts the hoppy history of brewing in the Duke City.