Chili Powder.

[DATsBBQ]

This from the Cooks Illustrated web site.

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/tastete ... =L9NA3BA00

Good primer on Chili Powder and later on a few surprizes in their tast rankings.

[JaCK2U2]

That was interesting. I like Spice Island spices (most), and when I did a lot more chili cookoffs, I used Gebhardts as one of my powders. Just goes to show that people's taste varies from region to region, and even from person to person.
My favorite powder is from Pendery's, but I won't say what it is!

[DATsBBQ]

Y'd think you just committed treason by some folks reaction if you ask what the brand of chili powder they use. My brand wasn't listed, its sold at the ethnic marts. To me it tastes pretty good, and it is a whole lot CHEAPER than brands listed in the above mentioned study

[Papa Tom]

My chili has never been just about the chili powder probably true of a lot of folks. So choose a good one and then make it taste good.
I did buy some chili powder from back east though that I could not use man paprika has more flavor than that stuff.

[Gator]

I actually like Gebhardts and Penderys Original has a nice deep rich flavor (although I prefer not to use a product with MSG).

Guess I'll have to try the Top Hat blend.

Pendreys has a couple more flavors I really like - Ft. Worth Light, Puebla and San Antonio Red..oh yeah I hear the Sucklebusters brand is pretty good too, butI didnt see them listed.

[JamesB]

We've always used Gebhardts as far back as I can remember... I've never actually tried any from Pendry's etc. I still need to try the Sucklebuster's version though.

[Texan in Exile]

I haven't played around with various brands very often... I usually just make my own.

I heat a cast iron skillet, add dried chiles (any type will do... should be in the supermarket, if not go to an ethnic store) and cumin seed... once the cumin seed roasts (you will smell it) add it to a blender with paprika and garlic powder... you can toss in other powders or salt if you desire.

I think it makes a fairly significant difference, simply because the cumin is basically at its peak flavor... it lasts for a few months, but is best to use that day.