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Question for those who make chili at home...

psuro

psuro

Heisman
Aug 24, 2001
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Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
 
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Chumboshifko1

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Oct 15, 2025
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy
Click to expand...

No beans, steak, tomatoes, some hot sauce.
 
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GregPSU

Junior
Dec 28, 2003
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
I put brown sugar in my chili and love it. But I have a sweet tooth and sugar is added into most of my tomato sauces.
 
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RockyMtnLion

Senior
Apr 16, 2013
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
Saw a Bobby Flay recipe this morning and he adds a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup to chili. The cacao is similar to a mole’ from Mexico. It appears both make sense.
 
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G3624

Junior
Feb 18, 2014
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About a tablespoon brown sugar in a crackpot. It reduces acidity, not the heat.

On a side note. Chili is a bean dish in espan̈ol, chili con carne contains meat.
 
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BostonNit

BostonNit

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Mar 15, 2003
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
Have never done that, but my secret ingredient is to sprinkle a teaspoon or so of fennel seeds about halfway through the cooking cycle. It adds amazing flavor and is not overpowering.
 
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bbrown

bbrown

Heisman
Jul 26, 2001
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
I've done it. Its ok. If you add cacao I would not but 2 TBLSP in (that would be too much for me) If you've ever had a Molé sauce it would be similar.
As for sugar/brown sugar. I usually add a little to cut the acidity of the tomatoes but I don't like especially sweet sauces so again personal preference.
I also like to add a little beer, just a run of the mill lager is good. Definitely nothing sour or fruity. Yuengling was always my go to but thats tough to get here. So Bud works.
 
Grant Green

Grant Green

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Jan 21, 2004
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Add mole instead of cacao and sugar. You can get it on Amazon if you don’t have a local Mexican grocery. It’s fantastic.
 
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CVLion

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Oct 13, 2021
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I used to make veggie chili pretty frequently but it’s been years.

But it just so happens that I bought the ingredients to make a big batch this weekend. Gonna dive into that late this afternoon.

Seems perfect to have a big batch ready for being snowed in. I can look forward to a hot bowl of it each time I come in from shoveling 😎
 
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Thorndike2021

Thorndike2021

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Mar 1, 2012
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My 'world famous chili' includes one (1) teaspoon of plain, white sugar and one heaping teaspoon of baking soda. I use my home grown and canned tomatoes plus a jar of Pace hot picante sauce. Ground beef, onions, and my special made chili powder. I make it with pinto beans, usually. When I have people around who aren't fond of beans I toss in about a third of a can of refried beans for the flavor and creaminess. Very nice.

Made this last weekend for a poker game with the buddies. A full-sized crock of the stuff only lasted a couple of hours.
 
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rigi19040

Senior
Aug 1, 2024
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...


I don't use that recipe but go for it. It will add a little something. The chili powder will still be the dominant flavor. A little chocolate is like a mole sauce.
 
ApexLion

ApexLion

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Nov 1, 2021
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Hatch chile, about a good handful chopped and a teaspoon of sugar to this recipe.

Hatch Chili

hatch chile can be purchased roasted, we got our annual order last night from Hatch, NM

also I’m going to substitute in roasted lamb for ground beef in this next edition
 
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Virginia Joe

Virginia Joe

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Oct 25, 2021
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
I typically add a tablespoon of good cocoa powder to our chili. Also, ancho chili powder, some cayenne, cumin, a bay leaf and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
 
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Tgar

Heisman
Nov 14, 2001
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
Dark chocolate. Half a bar. Semi sweet. Adds balance and brings everything together in an odd way.
 
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step.eng69

step.eng69

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Nov 7, 2012
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
My wife makes the chili.....If I ask Karen to modify the chili w/brown sugar, chocolate, peanut butter I'll get two responses:
1) Make your own chili
2) Go f yourself grandpa... 🤷‍♂️


One of my favorite jokes:

Chili Contest

CHILI CONTEST These are notes from an inexperienced chili taster named FRANK, who was visiting Texas from New Jersey... "Recently I was lucky enough to be the 10,000th attendee at the State Fair in Texas and was asked to fill in to be a judge at a chili cook-off.

Apparently, the original Judge #3 called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there when the call came in and was assured by the other two Judges (Native Texans) that it would be a fun event and a true taste of Texas hospitality. They assured me 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 $h*t, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to walkie-talkie in 3 extra beers when they saw the look on my face.

Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.
JUDGE TWO: A bean less chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.
FRANK: Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting $h*t-faced.

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 bar maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills, that 300 lb b*tch is starting to look HOT, just like this nuclear-waste I'm eating.

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 no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me burst into flames. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks!

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. An aggressive use of peppers, onions and garlic. Superb.
FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulphuric flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that slut Sally. I need to wipe my a$$ with a snow cone!

Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO: “Ho hum”, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of 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 as he is cursing uncontrollably.
FRANK: You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin and I wouldn't feel a damn thing. I've lost the sight in one eye and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like $h*t to match my damn shirt. At least during the autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've decided too stop breathing, it's too painful. Screw it, I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4inch hole in my stomach.

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 passed out, fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor Yank.

FRANK: --------------(editor's note: Judge #3 was unable to report)
 
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Richmin3

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Dec 1, 2021
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psuro said:
Will be making chili in the crock pot tomorrow.

I typically include onions, jalapenos, peppers, etc. However, I have also seen recipes that include a bit of brown sugar or cacao thrown in (just a couple of tablespoons).

Anyone ever do this and how do you like it?

I figure this will help cut out some of the spicyness even though I do like it a bit spicy.
Click to expand...
My wife adds brown sugar . We like it .
 
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