The premise is pretty self-explanatory - everyone samples the various chilis (I have them dropped off to my house a few hours before the actual party so I can have everything prepped/ready when the guests arrive) and then you vote for your favorite. (For the kiddos, I also make some other finger foods for those not crazy about chili - pigs in a blanket, etc.) Most of the kids are good sports about trying some of the chili though (we do ask super spicy ones to be labeled though so nobody dies... :)
The easiest way to do this is to have numbered sample cups (note - do not get wax-lined cups (like Dixie cups) or the chili will likely melt them. Yuck). I use plastic ones like these and a Sharpie to label the numbers (you can have all this done ahead of time before your party!)
This year's winner: Mac N' Cheese Chili. Yep... the perfect comfort food!
Here's the recipe:
4 cups chicken broth, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can pork n' beans, 2 pounds shredded BBQ pork shoulder, 15 diced BBQ meatballs, 1 pound of smoked bacon, 1 can diced tomatoes - mix altogether in a crock pot on low. About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, cook up 3/4 pound of elbow noodles (or your preference) - add to pot with 2 cups shredded cheese and 3/4 cup sour cream. Stir well - simmer - serve - eat - sing my praises for giving you this recipe.
So another year's chili cook off is complete! Woot woot! Want some more chili recipes for your own cook off (that's right, I have some gems from past winners! White chicken chili, cowboy bean chili, even one made with... chocolate! How crazy does that sound?!) - just shoot me an email to [email protected] and I'll reveal those secrets. This kind of party leaves no one disappointed (NO ONE) so give it a try this winter! :)