Chili Cook Off

[rgramjet]

My wifes company is having a chili cook off in the next month or so.  I make a mean cowboy chili with cubed venison, beef and pork, no beans.

Im thinking about something different.  Maybe cow tongue chili, maybe a menudo inspired chili with tripe or some other offal.

Im planning on making it interesting.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Fergus Henderson and Anthony Bourdain are two of my favorite chefs.   

[Bun-bun]

Depends, do you want to compete, or just freak people out?
If you want to compete, stick with what you know. Practice makes perfect, no substitute for experience, blah blah blah.

IF you want to freak people out, use spiders. Tarantula chili with jalapenos, anyone?

[sno_duc]

Funny you should mention it, I've got a crock pot of chille verde on low. Tommorow should be perfect. 
Got one you might try, yesterday diced the pork, put in a tuperware container after dousing well with " Ass Kick'n Roasted Garlic hot sauce " and a couple a cans of diced jalapeño's, and let it mingle overnight in the refer.

[brimo]

How about a Turkey mole in honour of thanksgiving and all that.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Mole-Sauce-342188

[cyrus buelton]

I like using Shelby's chili seasoning packet, doctored.

also use a pound of pork and a pound of ground beef (prefer Elk but since my buddy has two kids, he hasn't bagged one in Wyoming).

I could PM you the recipe if you want.

[rgramjet]

Depends, do you want to compete, or just freak people out?
If you want to compete, stick with what you know. Practice makes perfect, no substitute for experience, blah blah blah.

IF you want to freak people out, use spiders. Tarantula chili with jalapenos, anyone?

Not looking to freak people out.  Just enlighten them to a new taste/texture, something different.  I could see the Tarantula chili working well for a super bowl party though......now, where to pick up some Tarantulas??

Funny you should mention it, I've got a crock pot of chille verde on low. Tommorow should be perfect. 
Got one you might try, yesterday diced the pork, put in a tuperware container after dousing well with " Ass Kick'n Roasted Garlic hot sauce " and a couple a cans of diced jalapeño's, and let it mingle overnight in the refer.

I like using Shelby's chili seasoning packet, doctored.

also use a pound of pork and a pound of ground beef (prefer Elk but since my buddy has two kids, he hasn't bagged one in Wyoming).

I could PM you the recipe if you want.

Id like both recipes if not too much of a PIA.....Thanks!

[Bun-bun]

Not looking to freak people out.  Just enlighten them to a new taste/texture, something different.  I could see the Tarantula chili working well for a super bowl party though......now, where to pick up some Tarantulas??

Just make sure you pluck all the little hairs off before you throw 'em in the pot.

Too late for this year, but I've gotten really good heat with this little trick for years:
Pickle a mason jar half full of halved habanero chilis witth vinegar for about 6 months, then use the vinegar to add heat to tyour favorite chili recipe. It has a smoother flavor than just adding the habaneros directly to the chili.

[rgramjet]

What kind of vineger?  Apple cider?

[Le Pirate]

I think i'm about to start a pot w/ the leftover turkey from yesteday. Could be good....dunno yet

[sno_duc]

Just make sure you pluck all the little hairs off before you throw 'em in the pot.

Too late for this year, but I've gotten really good heat with this little trick for years:
Pickle a mason jar half full of halved habanero chilis witth vinegar for about 6 months, then use the vinegar to add heat to tyour favorite chili recipe. It has a smoother flavor than just adding the habaneros directly to the chili.

Where does the heat hit; beginning, middle or after burn. I like a nice beginning, a little hotter in the middle, and a great after burn.

[Speedbag]

I like using Shelby's chili seasoning packet, doctored.

+1

Excellent base. 

[TiNi]

i use chipotle peppers in my chili
mmmmm smokin'

[Charlief]

I throw a little high quality dark chocolate into my chili... just enough to add a different dimension.

[TiNi]

I throw a little high quality dark chocolate into my chili... just enough to add a different dimension.

a dash of cinnamon works well too