The Chili Bowl!

Chili has always been a cold weather favorite...and I love a good bowl of chili! {Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall}

So...where am I going with this...yesterday at work we had a chili cook-off of epic proportion! {at least for us}. People at my office love to eat, so any excuse to cook and hold a contest where we all get to graze is widely excepted among my co-workers. Add in a Super Bowl theme and people are pretty stoked!...thus the name...The Chili Bowl!

I went out on a limb this year and tried something new {aka made a recipe up as I went and crossed my fingers}. I went Italian...and am really happy with the result! {and...I actually came in first place this year!...awesome!}

If you're interested in trying it out...here's my {not-so-secret} recipe! 

Amber's Italian Chili
What you'll need:
1 white onion {diced}
1 pkg Jimmy Dean Sage ground sausage
1 pkg mild Italian ground sausage
16 ounces tomato sauce {2 cans}
16 ounces chili beans in mild sauce {2 cans}
16 ounces black beans {2 cans}
16 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes {2 cans}
1 pkg mild chili seasoning
4 large mushrooms {diced}
butter {just pull out the tub...and use your best judgment}
oregano {to taste}
fennel {to taste}
Italian seasoning {to taste}

First add a decent size spoonful of butter into a large pot. Turn stove top on medium heat. Once butter is frothy and melted, add diced onion to the pot. Cover and stir occasionally until onions start to get soft and golden brown. Turn heat down to somewhere between low and medium and add both types of sausage. Brown sausage stirring occasionally. Once sausage is browned, add your can goods! {no specific order...just get them all in there and mix well} Once everything is mixed well, add your package of Mild Chili Seasoning. Then, add oregano, fennel and Italian seasoning to taste. Now...for the mushrooms! While your chili is simmering, get a large skillet and add a decent size spoonful of butter to it. Turn heat to medium. Once butter is frothy and melted, add diced mushrooms. Don't crowd them. Make sure that they are evenly placed and that they have room around them. Allow them to simmer for a few minutes and turn them occasionally. {they're delicious if you sprinkle them with oregano and sage after they're coated in butter}Once they are golden brown, remove them from heat. Allow them to stand for a few minutes, then add them to the chili pot. Continue stirring chili occasionally until it is warm throughout. Serve hot! {yum!} Great with bread and maybe a little cheese on top!

If you're looking for a yummy dinner to make you feel all warm and cozy during this burst of winter weather...try it out! It's a twist on traditional with an Italian flare that may just bring your taste buds a smile! Happy Saturday! Hope that you have a wonderful day!