Chili-Lover's Football Feast Menu

Nothing is better on a cold winter's day than football on the television and a big bowl of spicy chili. This menu pairs Chili con Carne with tasty appetizers and classic sides.

Menu

Kickoff Canapés
West Indian Chili con Carne
Hickory Bacon Cornbread
Citrus & Green Salad

Game-Day Strategy

The cornbread and salad can be prepared ahead, either the morning of or night before the game. About an hour before the party, start the chili. While that's simmering, roast your lamb racks and brown the sausages. Guests can enjoy these appetizers, then your chili will be ready in time for kick-off.

Kickoff Canapés

Ingredients

Ham and Brie Canapés:
1/2 lb. ham, sliced thin, each slice cut into quarters
1/2 lb. brie
1 jar prepared roasted red pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup spicy mayo (combine 1/8 cup prepared horseradish with 3/8 cup mayonnaise)
Pumpernickel bread rounds or crisps

Smoked Salmon Canapés:
1/2 lb. Smoked Salmon
1/2 cup crème fraiche or sour cream
1/2 sweet onion, minced
Fresh dill
Unsalted water crackers

Directions

Ham and Brie Canapés:
Top each pumpernickel rounds with red pepper slices. Add black forest ham and brie. Then top with a dollop of spicy mayo.

Smoked Salmon Canapés:
Top each water cracker with a piece of smoked salmon. Add a dollop of crème fraiche or sour cream. Sprinkle with minced onion and fresh dill.

West Indian Chili con Carne

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cups canned tomatoes
2 cups canned kidney beans

Directions

1. Place oil in a large heavy pan. When quite hot, sauté the onions, garlic, and green peppers until tender. Add the ground beef and stir well.

2. When slightly cooked, add mustard, salt, cayenne, and chili powder. Mix well and add the tomatoes.

3. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the beans with their liquid and continue cooking uncovered for 15 minutes.

Hickory Bacon Cornbread

Ingredients

Double Smoked Hickory Bacon
Your favorite cornbread recipe or mix

Directions

Dice 1/2 to 3/4 pound of bacon. Prepare cornbread according to instructions. Just before pouring batter into pan or muffin tins, fold diced bacon into batter. Bake according to instructions.

Citrus & Green Salad

Ingredients

Salad:
1 head Romaine lettuce, cleaned and shredded
1 bunch baby spinach, cleaned and stems removed
1 bunch endive, cleaned and shredded
2 grapefruit, separated into sections
4 blood oranges, separated into sections
1 cup pine nuts

Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup champagne vinegar or sherry vinegar
1/2 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Combine all vinaigrette ingredients except the olive oil in a blender or food processor. Pulse 3 to 4 times to combine.

2. With the blender or processor running, pour in olive oil in a steady, thin stream until incorporated.

3. In a large serving bowl, combine the three lettuces. Top with fruit and nuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette.