Beef and Beer Chili - A Review of Recipes Every Man Should Know

Every girl has a little black dress.

It's short and cute.  Smells a little bit like wine and fine dining and that wedding she went to last year where she came thisclose to making out with a groomsman.

But didn't.

Because she's just not that kind of girl.  And this is just not that kind of dress.

(It's far too classy for that kind of thing.) 



It is quintessential.

It transcends time. Space.  Fifth dimensions.

And it never fails to impress.

Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.  So long as she's wearing her little black dress.



Yes, but.  What about the men?  (And this is not a question I often ask, so bear with me.)

How can they stand up to and defend themselves against the prowess of the little black dress?  What can they ever hope to bring to the table?  Pun oh so intended.

Well.  Thanks to Susan Russo (of the lovely and wonderful blog Food Blogga) and Brett Cohen.  They now have the little black book.



When I was asked if I wanted review Recipes Every Man Should Know, I was under the impression that the word "man" was used in the general sense.  Meaning "man, woman, and child".  An all-encompassing kind of usage.

Wrong.  It is meant in the literal sense.  As in recipes that every male should know. 

Hmm.  Intriguing.  Well, I thought.  I need as much insight into the male psyche as I can get.  So I jumped in.  Stomach first.



This book is filled with incredibly simple and yet seriously delicious recipes.  It has chapters for breakfast classics; sandwiches, burgers, and snacks; meat and potato dinners; beer, bacon, and bar food; and, because nothing gets a woman in bed like a man who can bake - chocolate, cheesecake and more.

I made the beef and beer chili because, really, is that not the paradigm of "man food"?  And let me tell you.  My roommate and I stood over the pot.  Eating it.  With a spoon.  (Well, two spoons.)  It was that good.  It is spicy and a touch sweet.  Stuffed with beef and beans...the kind of meal that "the guys" will love on poker night.  But also one that you and your girlfriend can cuddle up with on a cold winter's night.

Versatility, baby.  Like I said.  This little black book is the new little black dress.  Carry it around in your back pocket and not only will you automatically exude confidence, but the world will be your oyster.  You see that hot girl at the other end of the bar?  Invite her over for chili.  Trust me.  It's in the bag.



Beef and Beer Chili
Serves 4-6, adapted from Recipes Every Man Should Know 

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 large green or red bell pepper, chopped
1-1.25 lb ground beef
1 1/2-2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
salt, to taste
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 (14.5 oz) cans pinto or red kidney beans, drained
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (12 oz) bottle dark beer (I used Guinness)
1-2 tbsp cornmeal, optional

1. Warm oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add onions and peppers and saute 5 minutes.  add meat.  Cook until browned, about 10 minutes.  Stir in spices, salt, and brown sugar.  Add beans, tomatoes, and beer.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 20-25 minutes or until thick and soupy.  Stir in cornmeal if you want a thicker chili.

2. Serve chili hot, topped with any of the following: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced scallions or fresh cilantro.  I topped mine with a gorgeous cranberry cheddar cheese that that I purchased at Whole Foods.

This is my submission to this week's Hearth and Soul bloghop and also to Deb's Souper Sundays!

DISCLAIMER - Although I received these products for free, I did not receive any monetary compensation for doing this review. My thoughts and feelings on them are entirely my own.