Did anyone go yesterday? I had a nice time there. I've never been to a chili cook off before. But am planning on doing things like that more often in the future. Only like two of the chilis that we tried. I was surprised that some said it was hot when it was very mild. LOL I guess everyone is different. I bought a very nice tropical cloisonaie (sp) wall hanging.
Puttin- I've never been to the one in Tustin. But we have one here in Thousand Oaks. They are very fun! We enjoy doing things like that on the weekends.
We have a couple of chili cook offs here but I am more of a brisket and rib girl. LOL!!! I have never been a fan of chili. I don't even put it on my hotdog.
I love chili, but rarely have any that I like. I have been making my own to the same recipe since a kid. I just like the ground beef[no steak] ones. Trader Joe's has a real nice flavored vegetarian one with tofu, though. I put it on hamburgers, sometimes. I use that brick of chili, sometimes[from the market]. Makes good tamale sauce. I add a bunch of ground beef and onions, then thin it out. My grandpa used to freeze that. We would add water and heat. The one I make is with tomato paste, bell peppers, onions and ground beef. It is chunky, it is an eating chili, not a add to hot dog kind. As to spice sensitivity, I was using chili de arbol puree on my food last night. Ratio was approx. 1/2 ground chili, 1/2 beef burrito[machaca]. I am still recovering. I love "battery acid" strengh chilis on my meals. Most people would die. My friend from Mexico, Irma, told me once that chilis were bad for my fingernails. I was mystified as to why. She said "EET Ees because you tear the wallpaper off when you use the toilet een the morning"
My idea of the perfect chili is pretty simple. Tomatoes, pintos, red beans, ground meat, (soy) onion, ground red chile, garlic, cumin, paprika, cayene pepper. Let it simmer for awhile then, waalaa. Top it with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onion.
Heck I never make chili. but bought one of those packages last time and that was even better than most of the ones I tried. Oh they had brisket and ribs there too. It was a very big packed day too. I hear it gets bigger and bigger. And they served beer and wine there too. Lets just say, I had a good time. LOL My husband said yesterday, so do you have anything planned for us next weekend????
