Ted's

Original !

Texas Road-Kill Chili

Ingredients:

4 lbs. fresh road-kill         			1 tsp. black pepper
2 beers or 750ml zinfindel			1-3 tsps. oregano
2 Jalapeno peppers (chopped)			1 tbsp. cumin powder
2-4 tbsps. chili powder   * * 			1 tbsp. salt
4 cloves crushed garlic				1 16 oz. can Cantadina tomato sauce
1 tbsp. finely chopped green onions		1 tbsp finely chopped bell pepper
			
 * *  I recommend using ground chili peppers from Texas or New Mexico.  The chili
      pepper is the key ingredient, so your choice of chili pepper will significantly
      affect the flavor & fire of your chili.

(This is REAL Chili - - So, No... There Ain't No Beans !)

Grind up 4 pounds of fresh road-kill. (Note: sometimes, due to the condition of the road-kill, grinding up may not be necessary). Just about anything is acceptable (armadillo, rabbit, possum, chicken, unidentified...), but stay away from skunks since their odoriferousnous may have a negative effect on the final result. If you live in an area where there's not much highway traffic, or where urbanization has scared off all the critters and your neighbors keep their pets indoors, then you can use the following 4.75 pounds meat as a substitute:

			2 lbs. ground beef (chili grind)
			1 lb. venison (chili grind) .. pork is ok
			1 lb. ground Italian sausage
			12 oz. Mexican chorrizo sausage

Mix all the meat in a large kettle. If using the "substitute" ingredients above, then cut open the chorrizo wrapping and squeeze out the contents into the mixture of other meats. Brown the meat, stirring occasionally to mix well. Once the meat has browned, add the tomato sauce, beer (or wine) and all of the seasonings. It is a good idea at this early juncture to use only half of the chili pepper and oregano and reserve the rest until later so that you can season to your taste.

Cook over low-medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook covered for 1 hour, stirring from time to time. Sample for taste, increase seasoning as desired, and cook on low for another hour, stirring occasionally.

Sample again and add additional cumin, chili pepper, oregano, Jalapenos or critters to suit your taste; turn off heat and place in the refrigerator over night. Reheat on the following day and serve. For an especially tasty presentation, serve up in bowls and sprinkle the top with chopped white onions and shredded Monterrey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Feeds 6 to 8. Enjoy!

Last Updated June 25, 1996. Copyright (c) 1995 Rockware Data Corp.