I was so excited to find out February 27th is National Chili Day #NationalChiliDay. We had discussed having Bar B Que Weiners for dinner this evening. Not that I know it’s #NationalChiliDay I was thinking about changing dinner to Chili Dogs for David and Frito Pie for me. Charlie will have plain Hot Dogs knowing him.
The only problem is it is a beautiful warm day and I only like to have Chili when its cold or raining unless I’m having a Hamburger and order Chilie Cheese Fries or Tator Tots. When do you prefer to have Chili and why?
Come and join my family on February 27th, as we celebrate National Chili Day. National Chili Day is a moment to pay homage to the legendary dish that brings people together, and can tear them apart. Chili is the ultimate people-pleaser, but Chili is also the ultimate cook-off dish.
Family recipes are guarded like crown jewels, and secret ingredients are never spoken of above a whisper. Then there are the debates about what makes true Chili which is Beans or no Beans? The debates are fierce! But these are all part of what makes Chili such an experience. When Chili is being served perhaps with chopped Onions and shredded Cheese on top with or without Jalapeno’s everyone comes to the table.
National Chili Day Activities
- If you go-to recipe is in your head, or maybe it’s earmarked in your favorite cookbook. or if your lucky enough and your parents are still here maybe you need to call your mom and have her give your step-by-step instructions to make her famous Chili. For me it would be my dad I would need to call because he makes the best Chili. It’s slap yo’ momma good.. However the Chili gets on the stove, get it there, and then enjoy a piping hot bowl . Just remember to grab your favorite beverage to have with your Chili. I like Milk with mine.
- If you have the means and the opportunity today grab everyone, and we mean everyone, and host a Chili Cookoff. Remember the competition will be fierce, but so will your appetites.
- If I had the means and the opportunity I would go on a Chili tour because everyone and most restaurants has a Chili recipe . That includes the Chefs at your favorite restaurants. Find out which spots in your town have the best Chili on the menu, and do your own version of a progressive dinner to find your favorite. Then next year on National Chili Day, you’ll know where to head. Make sure you mark the day done on your calendar so your prepared.
Why People Love National Chili Day
- Some Soups are barely an appetizer, but Chili is a meal unto itself. A big bowl of steaming Chili can warm you up and satisfy you like few other foods can. Chili sticks to your bones and keeps you full.
- Secret Chili recipes are the stuff of legend and of course they are deliciousness. The variety in the dish is mind-boggling, and means you’ll never get sick of showing up at a friend’s house and hearing that Chili being served. Chili has sprung one of the fiercest food debates there is: do Beans belong in Chili? Yes or no?
- Chili is the ultimate comfort food and you start feeling good the minute you open the door, its spicy aroma wafting through the air. Hold a steaming bowl of Chili in your hands and you’re on your way to perfect culinary experience. No one misses Chili night. It’s informal, cozy, and a time for people to be together.
Recipe for Frito Chili Pie
Ingredients
Diced red onion (optional which you can or can not use and if you chose to use a onion you could also chose White, Yellow or Green Onions.
2 lb. ground chuck
3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 12- to 4-oz. can tomato sauce
1 10-oz. can Ro-tel diced tomatoes and chilies
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground oregano
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. chili powder, plus more to taste
1 14-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 14-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup masa (corn flour) or regular corn meal
1/2 cup warm water
Individual bags of Fritos
Grated sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
To serve, slice the Frito bags open lengthwise. Pile in chili and cheese, and diced onion, if using. Serve immediately with plastic forks. A crowd-pleaser!
In a pot, brown the ground chuck with the garlic over medium-high heat. Add the tomato sauce, Ro-tel, salt, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the beans; stir to combine. Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes.
Mix the masa with the warm water, then add to the chili. Stir to combine and simmer for a final 10 to 15 minutes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
