Chipotles have become sort of a trendy thing right now, but we have been using them for years in all kinds of things. Since I grow all kinds of hot peppers, I figured I would just make my own chipotles. All it takes is a smoker of some sort, peppers and patience. The best kind of smoker for this is a cold smoker or a side smoker, to keep the peppers from cooking during the smoking process. I smoke both ripe and green japalenos and use them for different flavors. You can also do cowhorns or any fleshy hot pepper. Prep time does not include firing up the smoker. 4 hours smoking time is an estimate. Time will vary according to your smoker and how meaty and large your peppers are. It also takes longer for green, grassy flavored peppers than it does for fully ripe ones. 1/4 cup chips is just to start the process, you will need up to 2 pounds, possibly more.