This chili made me an "award-winning" chef! My friends and I had a chili cook-off, and I won first place (and the $75 prize) out of 11 recipes. I'm only giving this four stars because I modified it quite a bit. First, I only used 3 cans of tomatoes, not 4. I also used stewed and slow-cooked beef that I shredded rather than ground beef. I think that was part of what won over the crowd. I upped the chili powder and cumin spice a bit, also adding cayenne powder and using soaked and blended red pepper flakes, which are hotter than the peppers called for in this recipe. I cooked this at night, let the flavors meld overnight then put it on the crockpot all day. Huuuuuge recipe. Feeds way more than 12, I should say. I don't know how anyone could possibly ever fit this in a deep, wide skillet. Anyway, I brought it to the party with a little hesitance, but I guess the results prove it!

Reviewed On: Nov. 18, 2008

I haven't had brussels sprouts since I was a kid and my mom served mushy, frozen sprouts (well, she cooked them...they weren't frozen when I ate them!) Like any kid, I hated them. The other day, I passed a bin of fresh sprouts in my grocery store for a price I couldn't pass up in this economy. I was nervous, but I think they just became one of my favorite vegetables! I understeamed them a little, probably steaming them for only 6 or 7 minutes. That left the inside a little crisp. Also, I saved the calories on the pistachios. I used shallots instead of onions, and those got crispy enough for a contrast in texture. I ate the leftovers for lunch today, and they were just as good reheated in the microwave as they were out of the pan. I don't think you need as much butter as this recipe calls for, though. I used a bit less and it was perfect. Great recipe!

Reviewed On: Nov. 13, 2008

I have an herb garden that produces waaaaay too much basil. This was a great way to get rid of some of my surplus, and it was surprisingly delicious. Though my friends were a little hesitant when i first told them what went into it, they asked for the recipe and made it themselves the next two nights in a row. Great idea!!

Reviewed On: May 15, 2008