The Texas BBQ Forum

Hey all,

I have my first chili comp coming up with around 15 teams from church. I love Sucklebusters seasonings in general, and will be using that with the general recipe Gator uses. Weird question; I usually put in my homemade chicken stock instead of water, but had a idea to do a bone broth from femur bones and add the marrow as well for some more depth of flavor. Has anyone tried this, or have a yea or nay? Also, should I stick with an onion and green/red peppers, or do the trinity adding some celery?

I'll take some pics and try to add them when I cook on Sat.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike - non-sanctioned contests like that are tricky (speaking from experience), it all depends on who shows up to judge...I saw a chili made from smoked pork butt and green sauce take first place one time - no exactly what I would call chili in Texas.

As far a depth of flavor - yep real stock is better IMO. However in chili, I use beef vs chicken stock.

Another trick is to make it "beans optional" - if you can have a pot of beans there and ask each person - with or without. 50%+ prefer beans (yeah I know)...

Speaking of non-sanctioned contests, once a person took #1 with using only canned Safeway chile heated up. No additional seasonings or ingredients. Makes a person wonder where the judges got their credentials.

Roasting the bones at 400 for +/- 45 minutes kicks up the beef stock nicely.

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/ho ... eef_stock/

Good luck with it.