While we have been keeping busy developing fire protection solutions for our clients, it’s not all work and no play at Harrington Group! Having fun at the office is important to us because it’s an easy way to build morale, enhance communication, and foster a positive atmosphere for not our associates, but our clients, as well.
To celebrate the beginnings of the weather turning colder, we held a 2012 Chili-Cook Off. This has not traditionally been an annual event, but we had so much fun this year, that we just might have to make it one! Everyone was invited to compete. Those of us that weren’t up to the challenge of competing for the best chili, were asked to bring in a side dish, like corn bread, or a chili topper, like shredded cheese.
We ended up having three entries into the competition and did a “blind” tasting. Everyone that was able to join us for the event was given the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili. In the end, our newest fire protection consultant, Kevin Johnson, took home the trophy, the $50 MasterCard gift card, and bragging rights as the “Harrington Group, Inc.’s 2012 Chili Cook-Off Winner”!
Kevin was kind enough to share his winning recipe. If you would like to warm up your belly on one of these cold nights, you should give this recipe a try!
- 4 slices thick cut bacon – chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder plus 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Tobasco Chipotle Hot Sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup of beer of your choice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can pinto beans
- ½ can of kidney beans (optional)
In a large pot, cook bacon until brown on high heat, add onion cover pot and lower to medium heat. Stir occasionally. After onions are cooked, uncover and add garlic – cook for 1 minute on medium heat. Increase to medium high heat, add beef, and cook until brown. Add spices and salt and cook for 1 minute on high heat. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beer, and Worcestershire sauce – bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially and cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. Add beans and cook for 10 minutes – Season to your taste (i.e. add more salt or pepper if you like)
Thanks to Kevin for sharing his recipe – and congratulations for being our 2012 Chili Cook-Off Winner! We hope that you’ll try making this delicious dish soon! If you do, leave us a comment and let us know how you liked it!
By Jeff Harrington, CEO and Founder of Harrington Group, Inc.