Rick is doing the bathroom.

Here are before and during photos from the first day.

Annual cayenne pepper harvest

I try to grow enough cayenne peppers each year so that when I dry and crush them, I have a few jars to give away and a few jars to keep. I've done this for the last 4 years or so, but this is the first time I've blogged it.

After the peppers turn a nice bright red, I pick them and using a big needle and some polyester thread, I make a pepper strand. Each successive harvest of the really red ones results in a new pepper strand.

Hang these strands in a dry place with lots of air exposure. These were hanging under my deck umbrella for several dry days. In a month or so, they'll be dry enough to process in a food processor, or better yet, in a blender.

I HIGHLY recommend processing them outdoors, in a place far away from other people. The fine particles will make you sneeze a lot.

When ground to the size you like, just pack them in old spice containers, or go to a kitchen supply store and buy some new spice containers.

Next, enjoy. I especially like to shake them on turkey sandwiches, popcorn, and any Italian dish. Beware, these ones are much more potent than what you get on your table at an Italian restaurant!