Easy weeknight

TarHeels&Rebels

I'm having a group I volunteer with over for chili and cornbread on Tuesday night.  It's 21 adults.   I was going to make jalapeno and plain cornbreads, and some bar/cookie off Pinterest.  I'll have beverages.

Am I missing anything? 

I keep going back and forth on offering an additional main, like vegetable soup.  I've never met a person who doesn't like this chili, and people don't really expect two entrees when they go over to someone's house for dinner, and I'm feeding 21 people just to help us bond as a group, soooo, I don't have to offer something else? lol

kmmssg

I'm not a chili lover by any stretch of the imagination.  I never make chile because I cook by taste and I would be throwing stuff in the pot til I didn't like it.

That being said...if I were invited to this shindig I would dig into the chile and thank you for a hearty meal.  I wouldn't expect to see a second entree, I would eat a small bowl of chili, enjoy the cornbread and the cookies.  I'd be a happy camper.  I think you are good to go. 

 

6fsn

Have you made this before?  It looks more like taco filling than chili to me.  It looks good, but I'd almost see it more with rice like the picture and some chips/tortillas.  I've seen chili debates on other boards so maybe it's my northern roots, but this is just not what I expect for chili.

That said I would not expect another main and I don't think you need to. 

If you wanted you could do a white chili.  I make this often and love it. 

wejustwant2:)

Hi!  I don't think you have to do another main... maybe I would add a salad or veggies -n- dip tray.  Both your chili recipe and 6's look really good BTW. 

~ W.

TarHeels&Rebels

6fsn:

Have you made this before?  It looks more like taco filling than chili to me.  It looks good, but I'd almost see it more with rice like the picture and some chips/tortillas.  I've seen chili debates on other boards so maybe it's my northern roots, but this is just not what I expect for chili.

That said I would not expect another main and I don't think you need to. 

If you wanted you could do a white chili.  I make this often and love it. 

Oh yeah, I've made this often.  People love it.  It's definitely not anything like taco filling or a dip; it's a real chili consistency.  I mean, no, it's not at all the kind of thing you'd discuss in the chili debates - it's not intended to be.

When I saw the blogger put it over rice, I was definitely like, "what the heck is that about?" lol.  I've never seen that before with chili of any stripe.  The only thing I serve over rice is gumbo, but that's a soup really.

Thanks for the white chili recipe - I'll try it soon!  Looks really good.

SJU1982

I think it looks yummy. I would not suggest an additional main dish, but I think a basic garden salad would be a nice compliment to the meal.

gymbugmj2k

I agree that some sort of veggie dish or salad would be helpful here.  you're pretty heavy on the protein/carbs.  It would also be another dish that some non-chilli lovers could eat if needed. 

Jim&Jaime

6fsn:

Have you made this before?  It looks more like taco filling than chili to me.  It looks good, but I'd almost see it more with rice like the picture and some chips/tortillas.  I've seen chili debates on other boards so maybe it's my northern roots, but this is just not what I expect for chili.

That said I would not expect another main and I don't think you need to. 

If you wanted you could do a white chili.  I make this often and love it. 

 

Yes, looks yummy, not chili, but that's the recipe title's fault. I'd put out rice for those who want it, and balance out the menu with the veggie tray with dip.

TarHeels&Rebels

Thanks for the veggie tray suggestion, ladies!  It was nice to have something to snack on, both as a distraction early on when the crowd hasn't warmed up, and when some people were late arriving and we held dinner for them.

And the chili was a huge hit - 4 recipe requests .  I'm tellin' ya - try it!

Jim&Jaime

TarHeels&Rebels:

Thanks for the veggie tray suggestion, ladies!  It was nice to have something to snack on, both as a distraction early on when the crowd hasn't warmed up, and when some people were late arriving and we held dinner for them.

And the chili was a huge hit - 4 recipe requests .  I'm tellin' ya - try it!

I often get replies on here regarding veg trays being a "throw away" item that "nobody touches", but I find it's so the opposite. Either people munch on them with dip, use them with the other apps, or the kids love having something familiar within whatever spread is out. Worst case scenario, I have leftover veggies. Oh, the horror. [;P]

6fsn

I always have a veggie tray too.  It's simple and cheap and even if people don't eat it I can use it.

To be clear, I thought the recipe looked good.  It just wasn't any version of chili I had ever thought of.  I do have it pinned to try sometime.