And the winner is....

B, at least with 4th Place in the Atlantic Highlands 2008 Chili Cookoff this past weekend. The funny thing is that we really just entered the contest because it was cheaper to bring a pot of chili than it was to pay the admission price.

We didn't spend hours testing and creating a new recipe, we just used a tried and true favorite that was passed onto us by Diane Schafer (USG relations). So, thanks Diane! If you want the recipe, here it is...

Black Bean & Kielbasa Chili
Serves 6
(Note: Better if made 1-2 days ahead)

2 T. olive oil
1.5 lb beef or turkey kielbasa, quartered lengthwise & chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 cups chopped onion
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
4 (15oz) cans black beans, drained
1 (14oz) can low sodium chicken broth
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes in juice
3 T. chili powder (we used a little less)
2 T. sugar
2 T. red wine vinegar
3 small bay leaves
1 T. dried oregano (we used a little less)
2 tsp. cumin

Sour cream
Chopped green onion

Heat olive oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat. Saute kielbasa until beginning to brown, about 12 min. (B cooked it like he does sausage for jambalaya...browned until it's almost burnt on the outside). Transfer kielbasa to bowl with slotted spoon. If necessary, add enough oil to pot to measure about 2 T. (or discard all but 2T of drippings). Add onions, peppers, and garlic. Saute' until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add beans, broth, tomatoes with juice, chili powder, sugar, vinegar, bay leaves, oregano and cumin. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover & simmer 30 minutes. Return kielbasa to pot. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until chili is thick, stirring occasionally, about 30-40 min. Season with salt & pepper, to taste. Serve with toppings of sour cream and chopped green onion (shredded cheese is great too).


It's great for football games! The funny thing was that there were around 40 chilis entered. Most were just blah. I think the reason the #1 won was because he was serving his own chili..something we didn't realize was encouraged. Next year the heat is on. We noticed there wasn't one green or white chili, so I think that's the direction we'll go. Any good recipes you'd like to share out there, send them my way.