Best Chili Powder

It’s hard to find a really good chili powder in order to make authentic Texas-style chili. Most of the chili cook-off recipes seem to use Gephardt Chili Powder; however, I prefer to have a little more control over my ingredients. This is my version. It is a key ingredient to my Best Turkey Chili.
Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp New Mexico Chile Powder
• 2 Tbsp California Chile Powder
• 1 Tbsp Ancho Chile Powder
• 1 Tbsp Cumin
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Cayenne
• 1 tsp Mexican Oregano
• 1 tsp American Paprika

Instructions
Mix all ingredients together and store in a dry container.
Note: The ratio of the first three ingredients can be adjusted to taste. For a hotter chili – use more New Mexico powder (or Cayenne). For a milder version, use more Ancho and California (and omit the Cayenne.)

Chile Pepper Notes:
Ancho: These are dried poblano peppers, and very commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They’re brownish-black in color and mild in flavor and heat. It can be purchased in any Mexican store.
California: These are dried Anaheim chiles. They are reddish in color and are very mild in flavor and heat. It is usually only available in specialty spice stores.
New Mexico: These chiles have a distinct earthy flavor and resemble the California chile, only they’re more brownish in color and medium in heat. Authentic New Mexico chile powder is often hard to find. One place to get it is: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/new-mexico-chili-powder
Cayenne: These are very hot, bright red peppers. They have a mild flavor but are extremely hot. Typically this chile is only used if more heat is desired. The powdered form is available in any grocery store.

Updated: May 12, 2013

Benediction

Let us pray….

Lord, thank you for attending our ceremony today.

You have indeed blessed us as we welcomed these new officers and warrant officers into the ranks of those that have walked before them, and those that will follow in their footsteps.

We ask that You continue to guide them with your wisdom and grace,

For those who will risk their lives so that their families and friends may be safe from the encroaching darkness:

Grant them the strength to persevere no matter the challenges that tomorrow brings them, and recognize that the best steel is usually wrought from the hottest fires.

Inspire them to be able to perpetually face life with enthusiasm, and motivate others though times become difficult.

Let the light of truth shine upon them, and grant them the courage to make the right choices, and learn from the wrong ones.

Let them be comforted that You stand beside them, and allow them to leverage your strength, as well as the prayers and best wishes of those here today as a force multiplier in the days to come.

In Your name we pray. 

Amen!

Invocation

Please join me in the following prayer in order to reflect upon the accomplishments of those that have gone before us, those that will stand before you today, and those that will follow.

Let us pray….

Lord, as the Creator of all things,

We ask that You attend our congregation and bless those in attendance here today.

For they have made many sacrifices in order to arrive at this point in their lives.

We are grateful for their selfless service, and for the support of all those behind the scenes, without which their achievements would not have been possible.

I ask on behalf of those gathered here today that You grant them the wisdom and grace to make a difference wherever they may find themselves in the years to come.

And now, may You be pleased with what is done here today.

Thank you for your presence.

Amen!

My Leadership Philosophy

I believe that the essence of leadership is trust.  It is something which has been entrusted to me for the sake of others, and is not a behavior motivated out of self-interest. As an Army officer, I am a custodian of the Army Values.  I am a keeper of the hopes of those I lead, and a guardian of the faith which makes a nation out of a diversity of individuals.

Leadership is also something that is built on an exchange of trust.  Others must be able to trust my integrity, and my ability to make the right choices. However, I must also be able to trust them. The ultimate test to me is whether not when I make a howling charge over the ramparts, and I say “Follow Me”, my fellow soldiers come charging along with me.  For if not, it’s a very lonely feeling to be out on the battlefield by myself.

In reality, true leadership is and has always been a selfless action. It involves taking myself out of the picture and considering the needs of others. It is a way of thinking that takes other people into account even when my own needs are pressing. It asks what is right or best in the wider interest.

Furthermore, true leadership should not to be confused with dictatorship. It does not take away an individual’s freedom, choice, accountability, or responsibility. Just as the leader is to be serving and taking into account the ideas and needs of those they lead, those following that lead are to be doing the same. In doing so, they, along with the leader, practice self-restraint, develop character, integrate discipline, practice respect for others, and also become custodians of the values that drive the group. This creates a kind of self-leadership at all levels.

My hope is to promote this sort of environment where everyone is empowered and working together toward the good of the whole because it is in the best interest of all. In this way, everyone no matter there position is inspired to be leaders of their own spheres of influence.