May I take a moment to brag

[The Polack MSgt]

about a minor thing that makes zero difference in anyone's life?

Hope so 'cause here I go.

I won the Division's chili cookoff today.

Got a $25 gift card to a local grocery store - Almost 30% of what I spent!!!

WOOO-effin- HOOO

[Turbineguy]

1. Are you saying that

CHILI is not important???? Hmmm????

[The Polack MSgt]

12. It is too me, but not to get all Zen or anything

But it's the making of chili that is important, the only competition is between me and the meat and vegetables.

Hahahahha Chili cooks are so pompous aren't we?

[yuiyoshida]

20. JUST curious what you think oF Sriracha?

That's JUJU and my favorite Condiment!

[The Polack MSgt]

22. I love sriracha

My wife and I buy the 1liter bottles and go through it quick.

Doesn't it seem like it's become sweeter in the past couple of years? still delicious, but it seems like it used to be a bit hotter and more sour in the old days

[yuiyoshida]

25. Maybe the first impression

until you get used to it... The owner was originally from Vietnam,...bless the Immigrants!

edit note:
Sriracha sauce is believed to have been invented in Sri Racha, Thailand, by a woman named Thanom Chakkapak. Her sauce recipe is now manufactured under the name Sriraja Panich. The Thai version is sweeter and thinner than Huy Fong Food's sauce.

[JuJuYoshida]

48. Indeed it is!

[JHan]

2. I printed your chilli tips btw :)

[The Polack MSgt]

9. Thanks Cousin

[elfin]

3. Congrats -- now the most important celebratory task....

Post your winning recipe in the Cooking and Baking group.

[The Polack MSgt]

8. I guess I do things backwards...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/115774735

[Mopar151]

31. Reverse Polish mathematical notation rocks!

It's how hp calculators are set up. Once you use it, everything else is backwards!

[yonder]

58. +1000 on that, M151.

Once you use it, you'll never go back.

[reACTIONary]

71. I'm rpm all the way....

.... parentheses are evil.

[barbtries]

4. Congratulations!

are you going to share your recipe????

[elfin]

7. BIG OOPS - didn't see your post was in Cooking. Red-faced here. nt

[CatMor]

5. Congratulations ....

that is something to be proud of.

[TruckFump]

6. Congrats!!!!!! Way to go!!!!! EOM

[irisblue]

10. Congrats & share recipe? They don't know us & won't see it.

[The Polack MSgt]

16. This tme I used roasted Poblano Anaheim and Jalapeno peppers

The meats were bottom round roast and country style ribs and I made it with beans

https://www.democraticunderground.com/115774735

[lapfog_1]

11. I once accidentally won a county fair baking contest

I made chocolate chip cookies... pretty standard stuff.

Only I forgot to move the oven from "preheat" to "bake".

so the dough melted and solidified over and over again (they did bake).

The result looked just like a "cow chip"

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CRBqPtCyuo/TmepXoxdotI/AAAAAAAABxE/1NtBKQ04o4Q/s320/Cow+Chip-2.jpg

So I named them "Chocolate Cow Chip Cookies" (milk chocolate of course) and entered them anyway.

Won 1st place!

This was almost 45 years ago. Now you see Chocolate Cow Chip cookies everywhere... I should have opened a store.

Anyway, congratulation on your chili cooking prowess.

[The Polack MSgt]

13. That's awesome Lapfrog

Thanks for the story and the good thoughts

[bitterross]

14. That's Awesome! Thank you for some good news!

I can't wait to take a look at you tips/recipe

[TEB]

15. Good for you

Congratulations man

[The Polack MSgt]

17. Thanks TEB

My bald head is still sweatin'

[TEB]

19. Dude remember

Grass does not grow on a well traveled path or cement

[Atticus]

49. An uncle of mine told me that all men are provided with a certain amount of testosterone.

Some use theirs to grow hair and some---well, some use it for another purpose!

[gademocrat7]

18. Bravo!

[Gregory Peccary]

21. Yay

Good thing you got the victory in before Beto bans all the chili and Bar-B-Q!

[The Polack MSgt]

24. Well Beto is a Texan so he's probably mad at me

for using beans in my chili

[TheBlackAdder]

68. Ted Cruz likes Canadian Chili, just like his White Castle Burgers.

.

.

[The Polack MSgt]

80. These commercials are the absolute best

And - as always, Fuck "Ted" Cruz

[BigGermanGuy]

23. what kind of peppers do you use? n/t

[The Polack MSgt]

27. I roasted Poblanos Anaheims and Jalapenos

then ran 'em through a food processor for a rough chop.

The Scotch Bonnets at the market looked old and small so, for heat I added a big pinch of dried Birds' eye chili (powdered)

You can find fresh and dried Birds' eye chilies at most Asian Markets - they are the main heat in Thai and Vietnamese cooking

[Atticus]

50. We grow and dry our own hot cayennes and have grown habaneros for real heat. Scotch Bonnets and

habaneros are similar in Scoville ratings. Congrats on your win!

[Kurt V.]

26. way to go!

i could eat a bowl about now.

[debsy]

28. Having raised our children in New Mexico...

... we prefer Hatch chili to any other. We LOVE it HOT!! Congratulations on your victory!

[The Polack MSgt]

29. Thanx!

[IrishEyes]

30. Congratulations!

Enjoy your gift card. You earned it.

[neohippie]

32. We had a similar cook off last week at our office

The prize was also $25

I told the people running it that wouldn't cover the cost of cooking a crock pot full to feed all the judges.

Congratulations, hopefully the bragging rights are worth more to you than the prize

[The Polack MSgt]

41. It is all about the bragging rights

And the process.

Cutting the meat and roasting the chilies, sear this - simmer that spend the evening in the kitchen trying to keep ahead of the mess so your wife doesn't stare DAGGERS AT YOU, LOOK, I SAID I WOULD CLEAN!!! CRIPES WOMAN RELAX!!!

Just kidding - I would never yell at my wife. Out loud. I just make sure to wipe everything down as I go.

No it's a pleasant way to spend a weeknight or a weekend day at home and when I'm done, I have a delicious pot of food to share

[bluescribbler]

33. Coingratulations. One question

Do you add beans to your recipe? Because if you do, it ain't real chili. Just saying.

[The Polack MSgt]

36. I did, and I will do it again too!

Last edited Wed Oct 17, 2018, 04:43 PM - Edit history (1)

Especially since I self funded this batch and there are 80+ folks in my division.

I used to be a "Never Beans!" guy ... I was single and living in base housing (the barracks) back then - Paying bills convinced me that beans are delicious

[bluescribbler]

83. Ahh

When I lived in barracks, (basic training, radar school and awaiting separation), the Navy didn't provide cooking facilities. I've been paying bills for nearly 40 years, and I serve beans on the side, not in my chili. But that's just the way I do it because my buddy from San Antonio told me that it was the authentic way to cook chili. Who am I to argue with a Texan? Not this Yankee.

[CaptainTruth]

34. I love chili, & congratulations!

[BlueTexasMan]

35. BEANZ!

No, you didn't! Well..congrats anyway. I judged the championship chili once in the 'behind the store' cook off in Terlingua and I would have liked to seen more diversity in the flavor and textures, but beans? In the Chili? Next thing you'll be wantin' to do is use dynamite in your skit!

[The Polack MSgt]

38. 80 servings of meat in a pot

OR 50 servings of meat and 30 of beans...

I'd be glad to accept funding for my next batch

[badhair77]

37. I gladly rejoice in your victory.

We can always use good news. Congrats. I will check out your recipe. I planned to make some next week as we have the last of the venison in the freezer. Hunting season will be here soon so we must optimistically make space. Good job! Hope you have some leftovers.

[The Polack MSgt]

44. Venison is one of the best meats for chili

it's so lean that it will absorb the chili flavor and it breaks down as it cooks to give a great texture - throw in some pork fat for a smoother chew and you got a winner

Thanks for reading

[kooth]

39. Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing your chili method too! I look forward to more stories of chili success!

[NBachers]

40. Hey, bragging rights for chili will make anyone walk tall! And I*approve* of the beans.

[The Polack MSgt]

66. Thanks!

[Joe Nation]

42. A classic Win-Lose

Good chili is worth any cost. Congrats.

[The Polack MSgt]

45. I'm glad to get the cost offset

I'll make it a few more times when I won't get any help on the cost.

But I will do it anyway because I like that stuff

[handmade34]

43. awesome

[Honeycombe8]

46. You the man! Or the woman! It's not easy to win a chili cookoff!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Me, I love me some chili!

[The Polack MSgt]

51. Thanks!

Last edited Wed Oct 17, 2018, 09:52 PM - Edit history (1)

And thanks for remembering that there are thousands of women Senior NCOs out there!

Not me, I'm just a regular whiteguy - but a sincere thank you on that point anyway.

[mnhtnbb]

47. Good for you!

[WePurrsevere]

52. What's a 70% $$ loss compared to the lifetime of bragging rights you now have.

Congratulations!

[The Polack MSgt]

54. Completely agree. I would make it for free

And I often do!

[WePurrsevere]

55. I understand that. I feel.much the same way about my specialities...

It's just nice to be appreciated isn't it?

[The Polack MSgt]

56. It is WePurrsevere - it is

Every body who cooks knows the feeling when all the conversations die out and there is 10 minutes of the sound of eating.

You shared your efforts and it SHUT EVERBODY UP!

That's the smile maker right there.

[WePurrsevere]

67. Yes, it makes all the effort, time & cost so very worth it. nt

[Soxfan58]

53. A good chili

Can make a big difference in someones life!

[weissmam]

57. HooaH!

Go Army

what division ?

[The Polack MSgt]

65. Sorry I was unclear

I'm retired and my "Division" is in charge of training and exercises for a joint Combatant Command - Staff weasel speak follows:
2 or more related "Functions" make up a "Branch"
2 or more Branches make up a "Division"
2 or more Divisions make up a "Directorate"
and there are all the standard 9 Directorates that make up the Command

There are over 80 people in J37, my Division - not close to the 12k soldiers in an actual division

[keithbvadu2]

59. Not a chili person

.

Notes From An Inexperienced Chili Taster Named FRANK, who was visiting Texas

"Recently I was honored to be selected as an outstanding Famous
celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off, because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment, and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted. Here are the scorecards from the event

Chili # 1 Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili

JUDGE ONE A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
FRANK Holy smokes, what the HELL is this stuff? You could remove
dried paint from your driveway with it. Took two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These hicks are crazy.

Chili # 2 Arthur's Afterburner Chili

JUDGE ONE Smoky (barbecue)? with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken
seriously.
FRANK Damn! Keep this away from the children! I'm not sure what
I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. Shoved my way to the front of the beer line.

Chili # 3 Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili

JUDGE ONE Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.
JUDGE TWO A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.
FRANK This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located a
uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now and got out of my way so I could make it to the beer wagon.
Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest.

Chili # 4 Bubba's Black Magic

JUDGE ONE Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
FRANK I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills to save me the run.

Chili # 5 Linda's Legal Lip Remover

JUDGE ONE Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
JUDGE TWO Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must
admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
FRANK My ears are ringing, and I can't focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly on it. Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming.

Chili # 6 Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety

JUDGE ONE Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of
spice and peppers.
JUDGE TWO The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and
garlic. Superb.
FRANK My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous
flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except Sally.

Chili # 7 Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili

JUDGE ONE A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO Very Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned chili
peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress.
FRANK You could put a grenade in my mouth and pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes are covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at some point. Thank God! At autopsy they'll know what killed me. Have decided to stop breathing, too painful, not getting any oxygen anyway.

Chili # 8 Helen's Mount Saint Chili

JUDGE ONE A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
JUDGE TWO This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot.
Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 fell and
pulled the chili pot on top of himself.
FRANK ------- (Editor's note Judge #3 was unable to report)
============================================

[Luciferous]

70. Lol

[hostalover]

60. Congrats!

[dameatball]

61. Congrats! Good chili is not any one recipe. It is what works for you.

I enjoy chili with beans, chili without beans, chili with ground beef, chili with sliced beef, chili with turkey, even veggie chili. It's all good man. Congrats for getting bragging rights.

I like white chili with tomatillos.....it's all good.

[yonder]

62. WOO-HOO is right. Congrats!

[calimary]

63. Congratulations!

[BumRushDaShow]

64. Congrats

and happy to have been the 100th rec!

It's the chili time of year!

[Luciferous]

69. Congrats!

[ChazInAz]

72. Deserved it, Sarge!

That was one hellacious recipe you gave us.
Though I had to approximate some of the times given, since I don't drink beer.

[malaise]

73. Congrats

[DFW]

74. Now THAT is something only a tiny elite can ever boast of!

Last edited Thu Oct 18, 2018, 09:10 AM - Edit history (1)

Go ahead and shout it from the highest mountain top!

(Remind me to tell you of the 90 year old man in the confessional some day.........)

[The Polack MSgt]

75. Telling you?

Padre, I'm telling everbody

[DFW]

77. Way ahead of me!

[Rhiannon12866]

76. Congratulations!

Of course that's something to be proud of!

[lillypaddle]

78. And the recipe? NM, I found it!

Congrats!

[Gothmog]

79. Congratulations

[sandensea]

81. That ain't beans.

Congrats!

[MissMillie]

82. Congratulations!

I think that's awesome!