real life test kitchen: texas chili starter
I’m afraid this is going to be a mildly frustrating Real Life Test Kitchen. A month or two or ago, I bought a jar of Williams-Sonoma Texas Chili Starter, and saved it for a hectic weekend to test out. But now, I realize I must have held onto that jar just a tad too long — it’s no longer for sale on the Williams-Sonoma site! I don’t know if they discontinued it or if they weren’t selling or what, but I would totally recommend this product. Sniff. How sad! It was a bit pricey (around $12 if I recall), but considering how easy it was to make a big pot of chili (just add beef, and if you like, beans), completely worth it. It had a wonderful combination of spices, just enough kick. I used ground turkey, and added a chopped onion, shredded cheese and sour cream as garnish. The whole thing took about 20 minutes. Oh well. Does anyone else know of a chili shortcut like this? Let me know if we can buy it elsewhere!
December 19th, 2007 at 10:32 am
I buy French’s Chili-O packets. It’s sold in packs similar to Ranch dressing mixes or something like that. I think you can usually find it on the canned vegetable aisle, near where the rest of the chili ingredients might be. It may not be as good as Williams-Sonoma (I don’t know) but it makes up quick!
December 19th, 2007 at 11:37 am
This isn’t a shortcut to making chili, but it is a simple chili recipe. I created this myself so I would no longer have to use those little spice packets from the store. I think it is easy to prepare, plus the husband loves it. Oh, and it is fairly cheap to make. You can check it out at http://www.trashydivaliving.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=75
December 19th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Periodically Whole Foods will have chili packages in their “fresh meals” section (fruits and veggies pre-prepared section). It’s got all the veggies chopped and a little package of seasoning. All I add is white beans (it’s a white bean chili) and sometimes kidney beans. I’m sure you could add meat as well. I’ve gone in there when they don’t have it prepared and they made one up for me on the spot, chopped veggies and all. It’s great for quick, tasty chili.
December 20th, 2007 at 7:18 am
Hard Times Cafe has some delicious chili spice packets available in a variety of styles - Texas, Cincinnati, vegetarian, and Terlingua. I’ve tried all but the vegetarian and have been pleased with the not only the flavor, but with how easy the chili is to make. You just add meat and the spices, sometimes tomato sauce and/or water, or beer. You can buy the spices online at http://owgb2.securesites.com/hardtimes/shop.htm. At Hard Times, you order your favorite chili, then you can choose to add beans, onions, and cheese - plus you can get your chili served on spaghetti. It’s surprisingly delicious! Enjoy!
January 6th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Williams Sonoma has some Texas Chilli Starter for sale at the Philadelphia store. There is also a Chilli Starter Verdi to be added to cubed pork. The original Chilli Starter comes out in the spring which I think is odd.
I picked up a few jars yesterday to have on hand for the balance of the winter. I think this is a wonderful and delicious time saving product.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:58 am
They have the started online as well. I made it, and am eating the left overs right now, with cubed beef and black beans. I also added a chopped onion, green pepper, and jalapeno to the beef after it was almost browned. So, so good.