In New Mexico, A Brittle Treat That Smolders
Las Cruces, NM – In Las Cruces, a candy shop whips up nut brittle made with red and green chili powder almost daily. Luis Flores’ parents started in the candy business four decades ago. Today, you’ll find his spicy brittle in farmer’s markets and gift shops across the Southwest.
New Mexicans can get a little carried away with their chile peppers. There’s chile beer, chile pizza, chile ice cream — you can find the smoldering flavors of chile peppers in just about anything.
And then there’s chile brittle. Luis Flores, owner of chili brittle purveyor Las Cruces Candy Company, beats the summer heat by getting up at 3 a.m. to prepare his specialties.

