September 01, 2010 Heather Trim

heatherainetrim@yahoo.com

It’s the first home game of the season and time for tailgating! Here’s a delicious recipe to share with your buddies and what better recipe is there for tailgate grilling than one containing beer? Cook up the chili sauce at home (or even the day before.) It will feed 8 to 10 people.

Shopping List
(Based approximate Wal-Mart prices.)
•    2 lbs Ground Beef: $5.48
•    1 (14.5 oz) can peeled Tomatoes: $0.63
•    1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce: $.56
•    1 (15.5 oz) can Kidney: $0.66
•    1 (12 oz) Favorite Beer: $1.50 +/-
•    1 Small Onion: $1.00
•    1 Green Pepper: $0.84
•    2 Tbsp Chili Powder: $0.50 (Baking aisle/bottom shelf)

•    Hot Dogs: $1.50
•    Hot Dog Buns: $1.00
•    Shredded Cheddar Cheese: $1.93
Total: $15.04

A sizzlin’ kick off
    Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cut apart with a spatula. After brown on the underside then turn over gently so the grease doesn’t splatter all over the kitchen. Babysit the meat so that it doesn’t burn; it’ll be done before you know it.
Drain the grease by pouring it through a strainer into a bowl. For the record, you shouldn’t pour grease down the sink, it could clog the drain. Leave it to cool and scrape into the trash later.

Choppin’ for the home team
    Grab a knife and cutting board. Begin by washing your hands and produce, or the germ police will track you down. Then dice the pepper and onion as finely as you see fit. When slicing a pepper, cut the center out and toss it and the seeds in the trash. Cutting onions can sometimes be harsh on your eyes. It helps to breathe through your mouth so the fumes don’t swirl through your nasal cavity, which is what makes your eyes water.

The play is coming together
    Grab a large pot and pretend you’re on a cooking show as you combine all the ingredients: cooked ground beef, tomato sauce, beans (drained), onions, peppers and canned tomatoes. Don’t forget the MVP of the recipe: 12 ounces of beer. Choose one with good flavor and the darker the better. (12 ounces of water can be substituted.) Measure 2 tablespoons of chili powder and salt to taste.

Touchdown
    Let your concoction simmer for 15-20 minutes. Smell, smile and stir periodically. The longer it simmers the more the sauce will thicken.
    Serve the warm Beer Chili on a grilled hot dog and top with shredded cheddar. Chili is even better the second day so if you’re on a time crunch make it the day before the big game. You can do it!

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