A monthly cooking challenge to spice up your kitchen… Try something new! Each month, pick up a FREE spice sample and simple recipe.

February’s Spice: Chipotle Chili Powder

Chipotle powder is a mildly spicy chili powder made from chipotle peppers, which are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers. It is perfect for adding smokiness and flavor to many dishes. Chipotle powder is used extensively across Mexican cuisine and is also a prominent feature in Southwestern cooking and Tex Mex dishes. It is a funky, spicy flavor that is perfect for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Not only that, but you can also use it to add color and spiciness to stews, soups, and curries. You can even sprinkle it on top of your popcorn if you are feeling a bit adventurous!

Recipe: Chipotle Mashed Potatoes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pounds russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel and cube potatoes and add them to a pot of salted boiling water. Boil for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily ‘mashable’ with a fork.
2. Drain water and add the potatoes back to the pot. Mash potatoes.
3. Add butter, milk, sour cream, and garlic and stir until the butter melts and everything is combined.
4. Add chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
5. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Take a taste and add additional seasonings or cheese to your liking.

Join us for books, songs, and a fun craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5.
Saluda Library: Tuesdays @ 10:30
Columbus Library: Wednesdays @ 10:30

Special events:

• Dance Parties w/ Polk County Parks & Rec – 3rd week of the month
  • Saluda Library: Jan 17, Feb 21, March 21, April 18, May 16
  • Columbus Library: Jan 18, Feb 22, March 22, April 19, May 17

***This program is now fully booked and we are no longer accepting registrations.***

STEM Series
Wednesdays @ 4pm

This program is sponsored by a Free Community Events Grant from Polk County Community Foundation!
Participants must be in grades K-5, be Polk County or Landrum residents, and register in advance.
Please sign up with Jen at jdickenson@polklibrary.org or (828) 894-8721 x284.
Participants should be able to attend all four programs in a series.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO SIGN UP NOW!

Columbus Library:
Feb 1 – Toxins, Tails, Teeth, and Talons with Chimney Rock
Feb 8 – Lunar Landers with Asheville Museum of Science
Feb 15 – Crazy Chemistry: String Slime with Zaniac
Feb 22 – Let’s Learn About Rays with Team ECCO