Chili Cook-Off

Our ward hosted a Chili & Pie Cook-off last Saturday, and I figured, what better way to ensure I make myself go than to commit to bringing Chili!?  We have an amazing family recipe, so I couldn't really turn it down.

I love to make this chili!  It's got everything that makes cooking fun...adding a bunch of chopped stuff to a pot, sprinkling in spices straight from the containers, tasting as you go, the satisfying "schlurp" as you stir, a heavenly smell, and an amazing end product.

I don't know how to compare the satisfaction.  It's like making "concoctions" in the mud as a kid, adding all sorts of whatever, stirring it all up, and having a heaping pile of stuff!  No pressure of exact measurements, and having a tangible creation... am I sounding crazy yet?  Maybe I just get rush off of cooking in bulk.  (But most likely it's the "schlurp".)

Mushrooms are slippery little buggers!  I figured out the easiest way to slice them... on my second to last mushroom.

Yeah, I have the Slap'N Chop.  It doesn't get better for dicing. Especially for onions.  (Though, I still where my swim goggles when I cut them.  Go ahead, you may laugh at the picture in your imagination.)

Yums, turning into Noms!

Here's the recipe if you are interested.  It's a family classic, but not a family secret.  We love to share the goodness with the world!  I was too lazy to type it, so let me know if you can't read the picture. 

A few notes... this chili makes a TON!  As you can see, I had to use two pots since I don't have a huge chili pot.  Unless you're feeding an army, I'd suggest halving the recipe. You will still have plenty for leftovers.  Also, this is an "add what you want" recipe.  Tweak as you like!  My mom actually had to sit down and figure out quantities few years ago, as it's kind of a "dump and go" deal for her.

Luckily, I put some in the fridge for Dan and I before the cook-off.  The ward managed to finish off my 6-qrt crockpot, along with the other 20 chili's and 12 pies. Never seen such a turn-out.  But hey, it was free food.  Apparently we have a smart ward!