October is National Chili Month

October is National Chili Month

I think my favorite quote about chili is by George Carlin: “You aint’ cool, you’re f***** chili.” Okay, so it’s not appetizing or particularly profound, but it makes me laugh, and that’s what’s important.

When it comes to chili, though, what’s important seems to differ depending on who you ask. Some people like their chili loaded with meat; others, like me, prefer it to be vegetarian if possible. Some like to sweeten it with jelly; others spice it up with peppers of any and every variety. However you like it, there’s no doubt that October is really a perfect time for a good pot of chili with good friends.

How do you eat your chili? Here are a few ways you might want to try.

  • Host a chili cook off with family and friends. Invite everyone to bring over their best pot of chili, and provide toppings and crackers. Just be sure to make it BYOB: Bring Your Own Beano.
  • Top it off with something new, delicious, or just plain weird. Try… salsa, guacamole, cheese, pico de gallo, cracker crumbs, crumbled pretzels, your favorite vegetables, pineapple chunks, sour cream, tortilla chips… The possibilities are literally endless. You may just end up with a new favorite flavor.
  • Try a different base. Substitute turkey if you normally use beef, or go strictly veg with the freshest beans you can find.
  • Host a bonfire with a big pot of chili, some apple cider and plenty of ghost stories.
  • Make some big, honking manly chili for fall football games. Be sure to serve with big spoons.
  • Fix some quick canned chili up—then add some nutritional value or zest in it with corn, tomatoes, beans, shredded chicken, olives, cheese or whatever you like.
  • Use leftover chili for a bunch of other recipes, such as nachos, chili dogs, baked potatoes, and more.
  • Hold a chili cook off fundraiser for your school or team. Offer prizes and either charge an entrance fee, a sampling fee, or include fall games and activities, like sinking an official in water. (As it’s flu season, a kissing booth is not recommended.)
  • Make some healthy, yummy pumpkin chili with the guts of your jack o’lantern—no need to let them go to waste!—or simply some canned pumpkin. If you go with the former, you can serve roasted pumpkin seeds on the side.