Last month, we hosted an evening filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of giving—all in support of Interfaith Works. Thanks to everyone who joined us and brought donations, helping to brighten the holiday season for so many in need. Your generosity truly made a difference, and we’re so grateful for your support.
The event was also the perfect setting for our annual Chili Cook-Off, where our team's culinary creativity was on full display! From Cada’s Ground Turkey Chili to Caitlin’s brisket-based masterpiece, every dish was a hit. The title of this year’s Chili Champion went to Cara, with assistance from Jeff! Here’s Cara’s winning recipe for you to enjoy at home:
Cara’s Winning Chili Recipe
- 2 tbsp EVOO
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium onion
- 8 oz mushroom
- 1 jalapeño (seeds & stems removed)
- 3 carrots
- 3 celery stalks
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can rotel (medium spice)
- 2 cans red kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 Can of beer (the darker the better)
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Worchester sauce
- 2 big handfuls of tortilla chips (crushed into dust)
Spices:
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Oregeno
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
All are optional & add to taste.
Instructions:
- Precut all of your vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Place the mushrooms in a dry cold pan and turn to medium high heat. Once all of the water has been sweat out of them and they start to make a squeaky noise, add the EVOO & butter. Once the fat starts to sizzle, add salt to the onion and mushrooms. Mix and sweat until the onions and mushrooms are brown. Sweat the jalapeno and then add the carrot, celery, bell pepper. Once all the vegetables are sweated, add garlic and spices.
- When the spices are well incorporated and aromatic, add ground beef. Once the beef is cooked and burnt bits are on the bottom of pan, deglaze with beer scraping up all bits with a wooden spoon.
- Add Beans, tomatoes, rotel, beef broth, ketchup, & Worchester. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add crushed chips. Stir regularly until well incorporated.
We captured so many special moments from the evening. Check out the full gallery to see the fun, and feel free to download your favorites to share! Don't forget to tag us!
