Maybe it’s just my aging taste buds but purchased chili powder just tastes bitter to me these days. No real savory warm flavor, just a bitter aftertaste. I don’t know why this is, but I don’t like it!

So, I went online and found a recipe for homemade chili powder on the spendwithpennies.com site. (One of my favorites cooking sites BTW.) Of course I had to mess with Holly’s recipe a bit, but then I don’t just pick on her, I mess with almost every recipe I come across. (It’s one of my least redeeming qualities, if truth be told.) Anyway, I made this mixture and am using it in a new chili recipe that is, as I write, happily burbling away in my favorite Le Creuset Dutch oven. And the 2 or 3 (probably more like 20) taste tests so far that I have made of the chili liquid, assure me that the use of this homemade chili powder is a winner. So, if you like to make your own seasoning mixes, let me recommend this recipe for your culinary enjoyment. And if the chili turns out to be as yummy as I think it will prove, I will post the recipe in the near future.

Now, if you don’t live in upper western Washington, then you may want to stop reading any further because I am changing the subject of this post from spice seasoning to classical music. So, I will not be offended in the least if you go away and do something else. But if you are an avid music lover, please read on.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. C. and I had the distinct pleasure of attending a truly amazing orchestral performance. Admittedly, Andy and I love classical music. The first classical concert I remember attending was when I was around 3 or 4 years old. Virgil Fox on the organ. Dad, mom, and me sitting right up front at a church somewhere in Seattle. (I was small enough to remember admiring the top of my new shoes because my legs were straight out in front of me on the church pew.) A very wonderful memory. So, for me, classical music was just part of my early life because both of my parents were accomplished musicians on both the piano and organ. And our radio was always tuned to a classical music station. That is, when we weren’t huddled around the radio listening to Fibber McGee and Molly, Amos ‘n’ Andy, The Great Gildersleeve, and my favorite The Shadow.

Andy’s parents weren’t musicians but loved listening to classical music. So, before he and his siblings even realized what they were hearing, classical music was making a lasting impression. And because of their love of music, Andy’s folks provided piano lessons for all three of their children. So, you can understand why we both have classical music firmly embedded in our hearts and souls.

For years, when we lived in Bellevue, we had season tickets to the Seattle Symphony. But living on Camano Island, coupled with getting older, has made it more difficult to drive to Seattle on a regular basis.

So, when we were attending a recent and fabulous Mardi gras party at the home of our good friends Kate and Barry on Whidbey Island, we met and talked with Charlie, a violist in Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra. He mentioned their upcoming performance, and we decided to attend the Sunday performance at Oak Harbor High School. $25 (senior discount) each.

And I must say, we were blown away by the musical selections, the fine directing, and the excellence of the players. We kind of looked at each other after the first piece with astonishment on both of our faces because of the quality of the musicianship. What? Why hadn’t we heard about this amazing group (Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra) until recently? Why weren’t there more people attending this spectacular performance? And other unmentionable exclamations that shouldn’t be aired in public!

So, right there and then I decided I would become this amazing group’s newest and most passionate solicitor for attendees at future concerts. Thus, this post!

So, if you love classical music, especially if you live in the area, you simply must do yourself the favor of attending an upcoming concert. You will surely be as amazed and pleased as we were.

And if you know nothing about classical music, then it is time you learned how classical music can enrich your life. For a great article on the subject go to –   www.classicfm.com/discover-music/benefits-listening-to-classical-music/

And please feel free to share this post with any of your friends and family that live in the upper western part of the Great State of Washington. Spread the word. This group is truly worth your time and the time of any music loving patron of the arts.

And as always, peace and love to all.          

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper, more or less

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. seasoned salt

2 tsp. smoked paprika 

4 tsp. dried oregano leaves (preferably Mexican oregano), smashed up a bit

4 tsp. ground cumin

2 T. granulated garlic

2 T. granulated onion

½ c. sweet paprika

Combine all ingredients together in an airtight container.

Teaspoon for teaspoon, use in any of your favorite recipes calling for chili powder.