Rainy Day Chili

Last month we attended a friend's housewarming party.  In the pouring rain.  The house was all lit up with hundreds of candles.  Wine and mojitos were flowing and friends new and not so new were sharing an evening in together warming up the house with good conversation and laughter.  We pretty much forgot it was raining once the food was served.  The hostess served up the most amazing chili we have ever eaten out of a huge Le Creuset French Oven. She spooned it over guest's choice of hot dogs or baked potatoes.  I haven't eaten a chili dog in YEARS and I have no idea why.  They are so good and perfect for a cold day. She had fun toppings like Fritos, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, chives, crumbled bacon and more.  Such a great party food!

Her recipe includes some really fabulous secret ingredients including strongly brewed coffee, chocolate and beer. We made our own tweaks and now want to share it with all you lovelies.

Rainy Day Chili

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.25 pound ground beef
1 pound beef sirloin, cubed
1 (14.5oz) can peeled/diced tomatoes in juice
1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle dark beer
1 cup strongly brewed coffee
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2-3 teaspoons cumin (to taste)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans
3 fresh habenero peppers, seeded and chopped

-Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

-Cook onions, garlic, ground beef and cubed sirloin in oil for 10 minutes, or until the meat is well browned and the onions are tender.

-Mix in the diced tomatoes with juice, dark beer, coffee, tomato paste and beef broth.

-Season with brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, coriander and salt.

-Stir in 1 can of the beans and hot chile peppers.

-Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

-Stir in the remaining can of beans, and simmer for another 30 minutes.

(Picture courtesy of Kyle Dreier Photography who has some of the most gorgeous food photography I have ever seen).