Football has seldom interested me, unless it is to watch certain kids that I have a special connection with. And professional football, especially events like the Super Bowl, can come and go without me showing much interest. A little over a week ago, however, I was involved with a chili cook-off at a party with most of the people tuned into the game. Thirteen of us made our favorite chili concoctions, and both Denise Reith, from Fulda, and myself, came out winners after the voting was over! She won in the most creative category, plus overall champion. Mine was more of a traditional recipe, thus topping the votes in that group. The final classification was spicy, which actually ended up being a tie.
It is surprising how full you can get just taste-testing that many kinds of soup. A fun way to spend an evening, trying new recipes and enjoying the other munchies and things along with the soup. For those watching the game, every time there was a break in the action, many would get up and wander back to try another version or revisit a kind that they really liked the first time.
Denise’s recipe is ‘white chili’, starting with one whole chicken. It was delicious!
Creamy Chicken Chili
One whole chicken
1 yellow onion
5 stalks celery
3 large carrots
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 cans ( 15 oz.) Great Northern Beans
2 cans green chilies, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground oregano
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 cup whipping cream
Boil the chicken, onion, celery, and carrots for 2 hours. After chicken has cooked, debone. Strain the chicken stock (about six cups). Add salt and pepper to taste. Add beans, chilies, and the seasonings. Bring to a simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add sour cream and whipping cream.
My recipe actually comes from a Better Homes and Gardens Junior Cook Book that I received when I was about ten years old. I have made it multiple times for my family over the years, but I think the real secret is the meat, as I use our own home grown ground beef. It is always lean and has good flavor. You probably have your own favorite, but I will share mine with you here. Enjoy!
Speedy Chili
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green or red bell (mild) peppers
2 pounds ground beef
2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
2 (15 oz. ) cans kidney beans
2 tsp. salt
6 tsp. chili powder
Brown the onion, pepper, and ground beef. Drain off any grease. Add the tomato sauce, beans, salt and chili powder. Simmer for about 20 minutes. (Add more chili powder if you like.)
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