Sweet dark cherries. Dried figs. Prunes. Licorice. Tobacco. Dark red ancho chilies have been compared to these and other exotic flavors. Their aroma and mild spice is released when the chilies are soaked and then slowly cooked, adding drama to any dish they grace. Look for four-inch heart-shaped dried chilies from Mexico ($3 for 1.25 ounces, www.ethnicgrocer.com), or pasilla chilies from California.