Emeril's Venison Chili

The husband and I went to an adult-only-chili party last night. It is an annual event held by some friends. They have always had it on our daughter's birthday weekend, so we couldn't go in previous years, but they moved it this year, so we were able to attend. After discussion and debate, we went with a venison chili. It's recipe name (the recipe is below) is originally Tex-Mex Venison Chili, but we adapted our chili title to "Tex-Mex Bambi Chili". We used venison from a deer Dad got last year, steaks and ground. Hubby's hard work won him the "Most Original Chili" award at the party-and a bottle of Red Truck wine! :) The chili is a bit on the spicy side, but is good. We're eating some more when our bball team plays this afternoon! Try it, it's extra lean meat and it tastes like beef!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_22137,00.html

Tex-Mex-style Venison Chili

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2003
Show:	Emeril Live
Episode:	Kicked Up Venison

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless venison rump, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 pound ground venison, or ground pork
1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
2 cups chopped yellow onions
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 to 3 large jalapenos, seeded and minced, to taste
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can crushed tomatoes and their juices
1 (12-ounce) bottle beer
1 1/2 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons masa harina
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Grated cheddar cheese, garnish (Longhorn: recommended)
Minced yellow onions, garnish
Cornbread, corn muffins or garlic bread, optional accompaniment In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and Essence, and stir with a long-handled wooden spoon to break up the pieces. Cook, stirring, until the meat is brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, oregano and salt, and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices, beer, and stock. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the meat is tender and cooked through, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

In a small bowl, dissolve the masa in the water and stir to make a thick paste. Add to the chili and stir to incorporate. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the cilantro. Adjust the seasoning, to taste.

Ladle into chili bowls. Sprinkle with grated cheese and minced onions. Serve with hot cornbread, muffins or garlic bread, as desired.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thymeCombine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.