Being my favorite of all seasons, fall is synonymous with so many good things: apple cider, changing colors, pumpkins, and scarves. The downshift to cooler weather means we can once again enjoy a day outside without sticky clothes and sweat stains, a welcome change for those of us living in extremely warm climates. Best of all, the onset of fall brings with it a favorite ritual at my house, Football Sunday.
Now I know football is about as middle America as it gets and that I’ve already lost some of you just by mentioning the f-word. Some of you feel about football in general the way I feel about the SEC – I just don’t give a flip and I wish it would go away. That’s okay. Football Sunday isn’t so much about the football as it is about togetherness. For me, Football Sunday is family time, a day we set aside to be together and somewhere in the background the television is tuned into the game. It was this way when I was a kid and now that I’m married with a kid of my own, it’s this way at my house.
Football Sunday: How to Do It
1. Five minutes before kickoff, crack open a good fall beer. Sam Adams Octoberfest or something similar will do just fine. (No need to get too fancy, but whatever you do, stay away from Miller Lite.)
2. Eat in front of the TV. A sandwich or a hearty bowl of chili (see below) will do just fine, though snacks are almost always necessary. Tortilla chips with cheese is a good choice. Feeling extravagant? Have a baguette with a good soft cheese. (Another reason to stay away from Miller Lite.)
3. Watch the game.
4. Or not. It is perfectly acceptable to read, knit, or nap as long as you are within earshot of the TV. It’s togetherness we’re after here.
5. If it’s cold enough, build a fire. But only if you have a functioning fireplace.
6. Keep drinking beer. No need to be excessive, but a cold beer in hand is a crucial component in the magic of Football Sunday.
Optional: Go to church in the morning, preferably as early as possible so as not to miss the lengthy pre-game show with Terry, Howie, Jimmy, and the rest of the gang.
Adam’s Awesome Chili
We make chili weekly during the cold months. It’s a simple recipe that makes enough for plenty of leftovers or can feed a crowd.
Ingredients
2 whole bell peppers
1-3 jalapeno peppers (depending on how hot you want it)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium white onion
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 14 oz can each: refried beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, whole kernel corn and diced tomatoes
12 oz beer
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. cumin
Optional: If you like your chili meaty, you can add 1 lb. of ground beef, pork, or the like.
1. Chop peppers, onion and garlic. Add to oil in large 5-quart pot and sauté for 5 minutes. If adding meat, do so now and sauté until meat is thoroughly cooked.
2. While vegetables sauté, open all canned food and drain.
3. Add crushed and diced tomatoes and refried beans. Stir until well-blended.
4. Add beans, corn, beer and spices. Reduce heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, preferably several hours.
5. Serve to your favorite football fanatics (and those who barely tolerate the sport) with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Enjoy!
