Party Chili – vegetarian style

New Year’s Eve at my house was not full of fancy finger foods and little sandwiches with the crusts cut off. No, the way we do things is a little less high brow. As I began to imagine a party at my house for New Year’s eve, I thought we might have three or four couples over, make it kid friendly, and play a little Left, Right, Center. But, as these things do, it grew. To forty-odd people. Out the window went my plans for prime rib and elegant side dishes. I needed to feed the masses. The drinking masses.

I settled on chili, baked potatoes, hot dogs, and homemade cinnamon rolls. Thisis stuff that can be made for relatively low cost. There’s something for everyone. Kids and adults alike can find something on that menu to enjoy, and it is filling for stomachs that might contain too much champagne.

My friend Sara Jane directed me in the making of a double batch of The Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls, which were divinely perfect. She also brought me two giant packs of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogsfrom Restaurant Depot. People, that is like 80 hot dogs! Heaven.

I baked about 25 potatoes, and made two kinds of chili: double beef with hamburger and steak (just use a big, inexpensive top round steak), and I thought I should have something on hand for the vegetarians who might be in attendance, so I made a pot of soy chorizo chili. I found the soy chorizo at the store recently and bought a couple of tubes because, well, I was fascinated. There are certain things I like to make with soy crumbles (even better than I when I make them with real meat) so this little product intrigued me.

It was delicious. I have chosen to eat several bowls of its leftovers, even though the beefy stuff was also sitting right there, asking to be polished off. Also, it couldn’t be easier. It makes a lot and can be thrown together in no time, making it an ideal party food.

Chipotle Soy Chorizo Chili

4 cans of chili-ready diced tomates
1 can black beans
1 can red kidney beans
2 cans chili beans – whatever heat works for you
1 can white beans
1 can corn
2 tubes soy chorizo
1 green pepper
1/2 C diced onion
2 diced jalapenos
3 T sugar
4 T chili powder
2 T chipotle seasoning
2 T cumin
4 cloves minced garlic

Throw it all in the pot. Stir, and simmer for a couple of hours over low heat. Done!

I think we’ve started ourselves a little chili dog New Year’s eve tradition. I like it – I like it a lot. I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year’s Eve. We’re off to a great start on 2012. Happy eating!

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