Summer is officially here and soon the 4th of July will call backyard chefs everywhere to polish up their grill of choice, chill some beer and start taking orders.
Hamburgers and hot dogs are fine, but this year try kicking up those burgers and dogs with chili. Don’t settle for the canned stuff, though. Invite your friends to bring along a pot of their favorite chili and have a chili cook-off! It’s simple, fun, slightly competitive, and may just become an annual tradition at your house.
As the host, you’ll definitely want to stock up on the hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey burgers and all the condiments, sliced tomatoes, grilled onions, guacamole, lettuce and sautéed mushrooms. Include an assortment of sliced cheese like cheddar, Swiss and blue. Put out big bowls of slaw and potato salad, or maybe a macaroni salad with eggs, pickles, olives and bacon.
Set up a long table and cover it with something fun and decorative like bunting or just red and blue tablecloths. Preferable something machine washable because it’s going to get messy – this is where all the pots of chili will be set up for tasting. You’re going to need to have access to an electrical outlet and a power strip or two. Ask your guests to bring their chili in a crock-pot that doesn’t have their name on it. This should be a blind tasting. As the chilis arrive, place a numbered card on each crock-pot and keep a list of which number belongs to which guest. Plug them in, cover and keep them warm. Place a long handled serving spoon in front of each pot on a paper plate. When all the chilis have arrived the tasting fun can begin.
For the tasting you’ll need small disposable cups and spoons, and dishes with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. After everyone has tasted the chilis, hand out small pieces of paper and pens for each taster to write the number of their choice for best chili. Have them place papers in small basket then tally the votes to determine first, second and third place winners.
While the grill master is busy cooking up the hamburgers and hot dogs announce the winners and award them prizes. Get creative and fun with your prize selections. They don’t have to be expensive.
Then it’s time to enjoy the BBQ and the chilis along with beer, margaritas and, of course, your favorite Paso Robles wines.
Here’s a winning Chili recipe from Ascension Cellars winemaker, Erick Allen. He recommends pairing it with their Ascension Cellars Trinity GSM Rhone-style blend. (75% Grenache)
Beer or Water: 1 Cup of Guinness Draught Beer or your favorite beer or 1 cup of filtered water
Add the Spices or large brown pouches of your preferred “chili kits” to 1- cup of Guinness Draught beer or 1-cup of water and whisk for one minute in a bowl and set aside. Drink the rest of the Guinness.
Brown hamburger and breakfast sausage, 3 lbs. total, with optional 2 chopped sweet white onions and then drain the grease.
Add all of the beans, salsa and the tomatoes, juice and all, to meat. Stir chili spices or kit and Guinness or water mixture into the meat and tomatoes. Bring to a slow boil. Now add cayenne pepper to your desired heat level. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes or longer.
*As an option, the masa flour can be used to thicken the chili. Mix it with warm water to a batter thickness and add to the simmering chili 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Your call. Once ready, keep pot on low and allow your guests to build their own bowl of goodness with their desired toppings.