FOOTBALL-CHILI RULE

I am not sure if this is written somewhere......in the Bible, in History Books, maybe even the Constitution but I know it is a written rule somewhere.......... that you must eat Chili on the day of Football Play Offs! Maybe its because the weather is generally cold and believe me, it is going to be a cold game in North Carolina tomorrow! The Cardinals.......are in for a jolt! Leaving balmy Arizona and the Panthers have already been practicing in the snow.
And, who isn't excited about watching the Manning/Brady Show!! I can't wait!

I really doubt if there are many out there that have made more batches of Chili in their lives, than I have. Unless of course, you are a Chef in a Mexican restaurant. I have always loved Chili and have tried lots of different recipes, some much better than others. I believe when making Chili.......if you like it really spicy, as I do, you must be careful as you don't want to ruin the taste of the Chili with too much spice......theres a limit. Also, big difference between green chili and just good 'ol red chili. (American)
I also know that Chili is always better the second day........another rule......make a day ahead. Okay, heres my recipe for a really good old fashioned chili.
Brown, in your large cast iron pot, a lb of hamburger and about a lb of cut up sirloin.
Next add chopped onion (lots) and chopped garlic. When this is browned good add:
a can of diced tomatoes.....(I like fire roasted), about a cup of beer or more, any left over coffee from breakfast, about a cup of beef broth and a couple Tblsp of tomato paste..........stir and bring to a boil.
Now, here are the spices: 2 or more Tblsp of any of the following......Sriracha, Chipolte Tabasco, Cholula Hot Sauce.......whatever you have on hand.
a couple tsp of cumin, a sprinkle of Mexican oregano, a good tsp of New Mexico Chili Powder and a bunch of salt to taste.
Now add a couple cans of whatever drained beans you want. I like pinto but I guess I also like dark kidney beans or even black beans......what ever you have. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour or so. You may want to add more liquid....beef broth or tomato sauce........just depends on how you like it.
Now, you just have to decide what to eat with..........crushed up soda crackers, always a favorite, tortilla chips, a quesadilla (my favorite) or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
I hope you enjoy the day of football tomorrow and your bowl of chili as much as I am going to. I think there might be another rule that you must eat homemade apple pie for dessert!