Emeril's Chili- Our Adopted House Recipe

Wow, today was amazing! 
Windows open, playing outside, and a big bowl of chili to top it off.
Emeril's Chili recipe has been our go-to guide for thick, hearty yumminess. Even the little guy approves!  The two-year old, that is, I'm sure Peabody will have his payback in the form of major heartburn! But, I'll take it... this chili is that good.
But you don't have to take my word for it...

Event: 
Chili Chilly Night
Menu: 
Emeril's Chili with Colby Jack, Onions, Jalapenos and Sour Cream
With Tortilla Chips (or  Crackers)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• Salt
• Cayenne
• 2 pounds stew meat
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Crushed red pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 3 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup canned dark red kidney beans
• 2 tablespoons masa flour
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 bag Tortilla Chips
• 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 small jar of jalapenos

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to wilt. Season with salt and cayenne. Stir in the stew meat, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Brown the meat for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, and beans. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the liquid, uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, or until the beef is tender. Skim off the fat occasionally. Mix the masa and water together. Slowly stir in the masa slurry and continue to cook for 30 minutes. Reseason with salt and cayenne. Place a handful of the chips in each shallow bowl. Spoon the chili over the chips. Garnish with the grated cheese, sour cream and jalapenos. And a side of crispy multigrain crackers- or tortilla chips.

Chili con Carne et al

So... I've been running behind on recipes ever since my "sick week."

I'll try to catch up!

We had a big late summer harvest of jalapenos and anaheim peppers. Plenty for a spicy chili and accompanying jalapeno-cheddar cornbread. Both recipes are modified from The Joy of Cooking.

Chili con Carne with Beans and Jalapenos


2 lbs lean ground beef
1 lbs ground "chili" meat (a coarser grind)
1-2 tsps salt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onion, plus more for topping
10 cloves garlic, chopped roughly
2-6 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chili powder- see recipe below*
1 (28oz) can whole tomatoes, with juice (San Marzano)
4 cups water
2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed


Season meat with salt. Heat oil in a large pot over med-hi heat. Add onions, garlic, peppers, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are softened, 6-8 mins. Add meat and brown, pouring off excess fat, if desired. Stir in chile powder. Cook for 2 mins. Add in tomatoes and water, breaking the tomatoes with spatula or back of spoon. Add beans. Season to taste with salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 1 1/2-2 hours. Sauce will be reduced and thickened.


*Chili Powder
3 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp tumeric
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 clove minced garlic


Combine in a small bowl. Makes about 1/2 cup.


Stove-Top Jalapeno-Cheddar Cornbread
I had never cooked cornbread on TOP of the stove before. It came out a little crispy on the bottom, soft and light throughout. Sooo good! And I didn't have to wait for the oven to pre-heat to 425!
Dry:
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
Wet (all at room temperature):
2 large eggs
3 tbs melted butter
1 cup milk
Add-ins:
4 jalapenos, two seeded and chopped, two un-seeded and chopped
1/2 cup grated cheddar
butter (for greasing pan)
Combine wet and dry ingredients with a few quick strokes. Fold in jalapenos and cheddar. Scrape into a generously greased iron skillet. Cover with foil and cook over very low heat 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.