Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Vegetarian Chili and Cornbread

It's that super, duper busy time of year. I've barely cooked at all the last two weeks--just made an enormous vat of stew for Tavo and a vat of chili for me and we've eaten off those. The first time I made this for Tavo, a few years ago, he was concerned about the use of fake meat...but he quickly got over worrying about that.

Here's some Red Hot Chili Peppers to get us in a chili eating mood.

Also--the quintessential cheddar corn bread (sans jalapeƱos--I forgot to buy them!)

Kroger's was out of the 'grillers' fake burger, so I got the fake sausage. Verdict? Honestly, I really enjoy this. I very, very rarely buy fake meat stuff--but in chili, it somehow just makes it for me. (and yes, there is chili splattered on the bag. Set the spatula on it)
Other than substituting fake meat--its my variation of the family recipe. We have one base chili recipe created by my grandmother, but everyone of us--Mom, Aunts, Sister and myself--we each make it slightly differently. AND my grandmother also told all of us that she made it slightly different than the recipe, herself. She wouldn't tell us what was different, though. She was very, very secretive about her recipes. So, I can't tell you what's in it either. Just know--it's mad delicious.

14 comments:

Darius T. Williams said...

don't u hate when u go to the grocery store and forget to pick up something? It happens to me all the time - lol. and I keep convincing myself I don't need to write a list.

-DTW
www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

buffalodick said...

I couldn't help but notice- it's not red...

tavolini said...

Darius--Totally!! I had gotten some fresh jalapenos, but I like using the pickled ones in my bread. Fresh tend to be unpleasantly crunchy...

Buffalo--ah, you've found a secret! This is very light on the tomato product.

buffalodick said...

I get most of my red from using high asta chili powder, and also adding paprika! I was in a contest a couple of weeks ago, and made white chili- mine was the only one close to white!

buffalodick said...

Oh yeah, I forgot! I want your cornbread with cheese in it!!!

The Blonde Duck said...

That's a really good tip with the fake meat. I'll have to tell my aunt...

Christo Gonzales said...

did I forget to comment over here? I am sending you some chile this week if it kills me!

tavolini said...

Buffalo--I've never made white chili.. and the cornbread is excellent! 90% of that loaf was eaten within 5 minutes of pulling it from the oven ;)

Blonde--The chili flavor masks the fake meat taste--it really works surprisingly well

Doggy--Yes! You need to send me chile! I'm making chili again for Christmas Eve dinner with the family--there's your deadline ;)

Christo Gonzales said...

little package on its way.......tomorrow

tavolini said...

You rock! Be sure to include your return address--we'll send something up to you as well :)

tommie said...

This reminds me I really want to make my white chicken chili...it has won awards! Not from me..but Husband's aunt won something with my recipe.

tavolini said...

That's fantastic! Post a pic of it when you make it ;)

Maggie said...

Looks great! We love meatless chili. I've been using crumbled tempeh in mine lately but I also do an all vegetable version.

Chef E said...

I almost made my chili yesterday vegetarian, but the last time I tried to sneak 'weird' food in on my game day friends, they noticed...so only for moi at home...yours looks good!