Innocent Primate

Easter Dinner - Thank You Local Producers

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3432541094_074b9a8346.jpg

This Easter, our dinner was a superb compliment to the good work of local growers in Central Texas. Our entire menu was a selection of bread, beef, and vegetables we picked up yesterday morning from the downtown Farmer's Market. Here's what was on our dinner table today (I only wish I could also remember the names of all the great farms that made it possible):

Salad

Mixed greens

Pea tops

Arugula

Radishes

Carrots

Pot Roast

Chuck roast

Baby portabella mushrooms

Roasted Vegetables

Baby beets

Brussels sprouts

Carrots

Green garlic

Dark sourdough bread

Let me tell you...fresh vegetables make all the difference. I've never been a huge fan of either beets or brussels sprouts but I couldn't get enough of them today. The beets were super sweet and the brussels sprouts had a subtle, nutty flavor. So take the time to visit a local farmer's market and support the work of your local producers. If you're in Austin, you can learn more about local, sustainable agriculture at http://www.austinfarmersmarket.org/

Chris's Guinness Bacon Chili

The addition of Guinness and bacon gives this chili a rich, hearty taste.

Saute 1 pound of bacon in a skillet until the cracklings are dark and crispy. Remove bacon and place on plate to cool.

In the drippings, brown 2 pounds of ground chuck along with 6 cloves of garlic and 2 onions. Once meat is browned, add 1 12-ounce bottle of Guinness stout and simmer briefly until foam disappears.

Into a slow cooker, break up the bacon and add the contents of the skillet.

Stir in 2 16-ounce cans of tomatoes (with juice), 1 16-ounce can of kidney beans (with juice), 1 16-ounce can of white beans (with juice), 6 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon ground black pepper.

(If so inclined, feel free to add 1-3 jalapenos if you desire some extra spice.)

Set your slow cooker to 8 hours...then sit back and enjoy the wonderful aroma. Serve with warm cornbread and you've got a meal.

Easter Dinner - Thank You Local Producers

Chris's Guinness Bacon Chili

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