Sometimes I roast them en masse for steak fajitas, sometimes I dice jalapenos for a spicy chimichurri, sometimes I ferment ...

Chili peppers run with the fast crowd in the garden. With bees as enablers, there is wild, uninhibited cross-pollination between chili pepper varieties unless planted at least a half mile apart.

The Chile Pepper Festival will continue Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is by a $4 suggested donation. Along with ample food choices, the event also features an assortment of live music.

• 12 large jalapeños • 1 (10 oz.) block of queso fresco, or farmer style, cheese, cut into 2-inch spears • 12 strips of thin-sliced bacon (or vegan version) ...