Saturday, February 26, 2011

National Chili Day: Award Winning Chili!

It's National Chili Day, and that means a special day set aside to recognize Chili as one of our great American past times, and enjoy a big bowl of that red spicy stuff!  There are chili cook-offs on all levels, from office challenges to world championships.  My husband, never being one to ignore any kind of competition, is actually letting me share is AWARD WINNING recipe with you!  He won't share some of his trade secrets, but he was sweet enough to share the basics.  If you follow the guidelines of a true chili cook-off, they expect something meaty and red, with lots of flavor and spice.  That is exactly what you will get in this pot of chili.  Whether you enter a contest or not, it is definitely a winner.  Whenever I make it, I usually double or triple the recipe.  It freezes well and makes outstanding Frito Chili Pies and it's great on a hot dog.  Happy National Chili Day!

The Award Winning Chili Line-Up...
It looks like a lot, but wait til you see
how easy it is to make!
Saute ground beef with onion,
green pepper and garlic.

Add all of the remaining ingredients.

Make sure you blend everything together well.
Bring to a boil. 
Then reduce heat and simmer,
covered for 2 hours.
Look how thick, rich and red it is!

Give yourself a blue ribbon and a pat on the back!


Award Winning Chili 

2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon sage
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 (1 ounce) package chili seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (15 ounce) can whole or diced tomatoes

In a large Dutch oven, saute ground beef with onion, green pepper and garlic.  Add remaining ingredients, blending well.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered for 2 hours. 

Prep Time:  Approximately 20 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 2 hours

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