So you may ask yourself, what do people in Steamboat do on the weekends after the trails are too wet to hike or bike, but before the ski slopes open. Well, we do the same thing that rest of the country does…. watch football, particularly the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
We invite our friends over for fun, food and football while watching the snow to pile up and promise an exciting new season of turns in our legendary powder. This is especially fun with my favorite 6-pack Chili recipe. What could be better? Except maybe a more winning season with the Broncos. I have to say that this is my favorite time one of my favorite times of year. It seams to be much easier to convince your friends to spend time watching the game with you when you’re not competing with the fun that can be had at the on the slopes.
6-Pack Chili Recipe (with some helpful hints and adjustments)
1 6-pack of Corona beer, chilled 2 1/2 lb tri-tip roast, cut into 1/2" cubes (I use 1lb hot Boulder Sausage) 2 1/2 lb ground chuck (I use 1.25lb ground turkey) 1/2 tablespoons dried mexican oregano 7 tablespoons Gephart's chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon paprika 2 large Vidalia onions, diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1/2 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced (about 4-5, be careful with these HOT!) 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced 1 4-oz can diced green chiles 15-oz can crushed tomatoes (I double this amount) 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Masa Harina (optional, if you want thinner chili, then don’t add) Salt and pepper to taste Sour cream (I also add a can of chili beans)
1. Drink a beer and read the directions. 2. In a large Dutch oven brown the beef with 2 TBL chili powder. Drain the fat, but don't go overboard cause there's lots of flavor in there. Add two beers, the rest of the chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika and get it to start to boil. Simmer for an hour. 3. Have a beer to reward yourself for all that hard work. 4. Heat up a skillet and caramelize the onions. During the last couple of minutes, add the garlic and saute. Add onion and garlic to the chili along with chipotles, jalapeno, green chiles, red bell pepper, and tomatos. Simmer another 1-2 hours. 5. You'll want another beer here. Make sure your friends have put on some kickin tunes. 6. Add sugar and vinegar. Whisk together equal parts of Masa Harina and cold water (I use about 1/3 cup each). Bring to a boil and stir until it thickens. Season to taste. 7. Ladle into bowls, top with sour cream and salsa. Serve hot sauce on the side. 8. Open your final beer and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Try not to get a swelled head from all the compliments.
