541576 Wed Jul 23 09:56:19 -0700 2008 7 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 3894375 Hi All: Just received the above cookbook and know absolutely nothing about finding ingredients for southwestern style cooking in Toronto. Here are some of the things I'm trying to locate (have searched Sun Valley, IGA and Carrot Common on the Danforth with no luck): Fresh Chiles: Anaheim Fresno Habanero Poblano Serrano Dried Chiles Ancho Cascabel Chile de Arbol Guajillo Pasilla Also looking for Mexican Cinnamon (Canela), Spanish Cayenne and Cotija Cheese. Thanks for any info! Wed Jul 23 09:56:21 -0700 2008 212446 act1966 1 3894392 I thought Flay only "cooked" toast?!....ok ok, in Kensington market you should be able to find most of this stuff, certainly all the dried ones at Perola's, they do stock many fresh ones too but they can be hit or miss if they are fresh... Wed Jul 23 10:00:06 -0700 2008 3894375 114516 Recyclor 1 3894449 act1966 you're in my hood, and you're right there are no SW / US ingredients to speak of there. I'll echo Recylor and fully endorse Perola, espescially for dried chiles and they definitely have Cotija Cheese in several varieties, fresh poblanos, crema, empanada pastry and lots more fun stuff. I wouldn't bother buying the dried chile powders that your Bobby uses, they tend to be old with no flavour. Toast your own chiles and grind them up. I'd also recommend Mexican Dry Goods in Kensington. Wed Jul 23 10:20:53 -0700 2008 3894375 12840 Mila 2 3904089 Toast your own chiles, yes, oh yes!!!! --- here is a helpful hint to spice up plain rice or anything, soup, etc. --- In a very little oil, gently toast dried chiles until they just change colour from red to a light tan or gentle brown --- remove from heat, retaining the little oil and crush into any dish --- the toasting helps to go to a very flavourful degree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sat Jul 26 14:41:06 -0700 2008 3894449 13563 Jar 1 3898122 Thanks to both of you. I found everything I need at Perola and House of Spice. Thanks again! Thu Jul 24 12:23:12 -0700 2008 3894375 212446 act1966 2 3898260 Great, happy cooking!...House of Spice is a good one too, I love that place... Thu Jul 24 13:06:49 -0700 2008 3898122 114516 Recyclor 3 3900389 Have fun cooking act1966. And to spiral this thread off a bit... Recylor, I love House of Spice too, but I really love BJ's in Little India. Cheap spices and fresh fresh fresh. Fri Jul 25 07:15:05 -0700 2008 3898260 12840 Mila 4 3900448 I rarely make it out there but you've given me yet another reason to make an afternoon of it...thanks for the tip Mila... Cheers! Fri Jul 25 07:31:50 -0700 2008 3900389 114516 Recyclor