Tuesday, January 11, 2011

It is chili

Many thanks to those of you who made suggestions and even provided recipes.  I am taking some from each of what you sent and making an amalgamated chili that should be good.  If I get a placement, that will be cool and totally unexpected. One of the things that gave me pause was adding a can of beer to the chili.  But alcohol evaporates in the cooking process, so I don't think that is an issue. 

But living with an alcoholic will make one a bit paranoid about beer and wine in cooking.  I remember early on in recovery, we were both having lunch at a nice restaurant.  We wanted to share a dessert so I asked the server what the desserts were.  She rattled off a bunch.  C. thought that Bananas Foster would be good.  So I asked what was in it! When the server said that it had rum and banana liquor in it, I immediately said, "Oh no, we don't want that." 

There it was--out of my mouth in an instant.  I was fearful about the alcoholic having anything to do with alcohol, or even thinking about alcohol.  Yes, I was new to recovery, but thinking back on that moment of insanity, I realize how far I have now come.  I don't need to protect anyone from themselves.  That isn't up to me.  What a relief!  So I am going to put a can of beer in the chili and trust that no one at the cookoff is going to go off the deep end and start guzzling the entire pot. 

Yesterday, we did lose power for a while.  It wasn't a big deal as we nearly always lose power at least a few times a year out here in the country.  The fire was warm and the nap that I took on the couch was delicious.  Today I am going to go down to the boat and check on things there.  It is still in the 30's here but at least there is no rain.  And later this evening, I am going to a meeting.  Another day to make of it what I can. 

21 comments:

  1. Sweet picture. Glad your cozy and warm today. I am sure the chili will be good with or without the beer.

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  2. As the accomplished scientist you are I'm sure you know a lot more about this than I but alcohol boils at a lot lower temperature than water. Just simmer the chili for a while and the alcohol drifts away. Enjoy your chili and if it is delicious post the recipe. You know all of us guys LOVE chili.

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  3. i appreciate the subtle tension...if the chili is good i may just eat the pot...smiles. stay warm...

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  4. "trust that no one at the cookoff is going to go off the deep end and start guzzling the entire pot."

    I laughed for about 30 seconds at that.

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  5. Yes, I still find myself "hiding" the cooking wine behind a bunch of other taller bottles. I don't know if I ever will *not* do that...it is just so deeply ingrained. Oh well....I've made a lot of progress in a lot of other areas.

    Let us know how the chili turns out. My recipe contains a packet of Lowry's chili seasoning...I didn't think that was what you were looking for so I didn't share it. :o)

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  6. Chilli is a good thing to have in the winter. Celestine made a batch using Tony Pacco's fixins. we will not be using that again it was a little too spicy for our taste. i am not knocking the product it is good,but it was a little too peppery for us.Naps are good to take as well. I do that at least once a day myself.

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  7. Isn't it nice to get to the place you can incorporate humor into discussions about alcoholism and are not burdened with fear? I too would have immediately jumped in with NO to beer in a recipe or wine. We do not have any alcohol in the house but my intellect know the alcohol burns off in the cooking. I like the pic of your dog, it is how I sleep but without the dog bone.

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  8. As for beer as an ingredient in recipes, I substitute, Non-Alcoholic. Works just as well and removes the worry of having any kind of alcohol in the house. (Hugs)Indigo

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  9. Oh Syd. You're such a dear.
    And here's something I've been pondering since yesterday- I thought you did not eat meat!

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  10. Note on the meat content: I am making a pot of vegetarian chili on the side. Most people like meat in theirs. And since this is a contest, I am putting the meat in. I still eat fish and shellfish, eggs, and milk.

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  11. I can recall doing that same sort of thing myself -worrying about alcohol in a dessert - nothing too minute for me to obsess over, pre-Al-Anon.
    Good luck with your chili!
    Oh, and great picture of your dog asleep with the chewy.

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  12. I love your photo. I hope you stay warm and enjoy your chili!
    ~Sarah~

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  13. Good luck Syd. I made a big pot of chili on Sunday. It was actually much better today. Two days later! You probably have to make yours on the scene though, huh?

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  14. I'm glad you made the fire. Planning ahead, within reason, can save so much in the event of a minor blip or two. Stay warm, Syd!

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  15. I don't post often, but I love, love, love your blog. I am working daily on recovery, and find your site a blessing.

    Best Wishes and happy chili!

    Monica

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  16. enjoy the cooking, i think you know what will be good.

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  17. 30? That's T shirt weather. Take a nap dude. That is always a good thing.

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  18. Your comment about the Bananas Foster reminded me of an AA friend who, in early sobriety, went to dinner with an old timer in the program. When the waiter asked if they'd like a drink before dinner he said, "Not for me, thanks, but I can't speak for the lady". She was shocked until he explained that only the alcoholic has the right to refuse or accept what's offered !

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  19. Hi Syd,
    Dave sent me over. I am well, thanks for asking.

    But as for your post... I was just at a meeting where a woman is coming back from a relapse that started with something as "innocuous" as your chili. Frankly, I wouldn't eat it. There is enough food in the world that does not have alcohol in it, I don't need to play with fire and gamble that all the alcohol is out of something.

    Still miss me?

    Take care,
    Mary

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  20. Chili sounds really good right now, Syd. The photo of the puppy is so sweet.

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