2023 Q1 Spirited VA - 22

BOURBON BACON
MEATBALLS
Use the meatball recipe here, topped with
the Bourbon Barbecue Sauce, or purchase
frozen meatballs to top with the sauce.
Makes 24 meatballs.
▷ 6 SLICES BACON
▷ ½ YELLOW ONION, CHOPPED
▷ 1 POUND GROUND BEEF
▷ ½ CUP UNSEASONED
BREADCRUMBS
▷ 2 TABLESPOONS PARSLEY,
CHOPPED
▷ 1 LARGE EGG
▷ 1 TEASPOON CHILI POWDER
▷ 1 TEASPOON SALT
▷ 1 TABLESPOON VEGETABLE OIL
▷ 1 CUP BARBECUE SAUCE
▷ ½ CUP BEEF BROTH
▷ 3 TABLESPOONS BULLEIT
BOURBON OR OTHER FAVORITE
BOURBON
Place uncooked bacon in a food processor
and process for 1 minute or until
bacon is finely ground. Add onion and
process until onion is finely chopped and
mixed. In large bowl, mix ground beef,
breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, chili powder
and salt with bacon-onion mixture. Stir.
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form
small balls, about 1 inch each.
Heat large saucepan over medium heat.
Add oil. Cook the meatballs in hot oil for
about 8 to 10 minutes, turning several
times, until fully cooked. Transfer the
meatballs to a separate dish and pour
out the grease.
Add barbecue sauce, broth and bourbon
to the pan. Stir. Add meatballs and simmer
for at least 10 minutes. Transfer to a slow
cooker to keep them warm for a party.
22 SPIRITED VIRGINIA
SPIRIT SQUAD CHILI WITH
BOURBON AND MAPLE
This easy-to-make, hearty, bourbon-touched
chili tastes even better when prepared a day
ahead. Keep it warm in a slow cooker.
▷ 1 POUND LEAN GROUND BEEF
▷ 1 SMALL ONION, CHOPPED
▷ 3 CLOVES OF GARLIC, MINDED
▷ 14½ OZ. CAN CRUSHED TOMATOES
▷ 14½ OZ. CAN DICED TOMATOES
▷ 6-OZ. CAN TOMATO PASTE
▷ 2-3 TABLESPOONS CHILI POWDER (OR
TO TASTE)
▷ ½ TABLESPOON OREGANO
▷ 1 TEASPOON SALT
▷ ½ TABLESPOON CUMIN
▷ ¼ CUP MAPLE SYRUP
▷ 16-OZ. CAN RED KIDNEY BEANS,
DRAINED AND RINSED
▷ 2/3 CUP BOURBON
Brown beef and onion. If needed, drain off
the grease. Add tomatoes and paste. Cook for
5 minutes. Add the spices and maple syrup.
Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add beans. Simmer for 45 additional minutes.
Add the bourbon and simmer for at least 5
more minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker if
needed to keep the chili warm.
Optional: serve with sour cream, shredded
cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapeño peppers.
BAKED POTATO BAR
Simple and filling, baked potatoes with selfserve
toppings honor guests' various dietary
needs and preferences. This option will probably
leave you leftovers for delicious dishes
like twice-baked potatoes, potato skins, or
potato soup-or a next-morning breakfast
with pan-fried potatoes or hash browns.
Butter, sour cream (or a quality Greek yogurt),
shredded cheddar cheese, salt and pepper
are standard, but otherwise, the options are
practically unlimited.
Additional topping ideas:
* Bacon
* Vegetarian " bacon " or cooked ground " meat "
* Spirit Squad Chili (see recipe at left)
* Bourbon Bacon Meatballs in barbecue sauce
(see recipe at left)
* Chopped chives
* Diced onions
* Seasoning blends
* Taco meat
* Salsa
* Jalapeño slices
* Canned green chiles
* Steamed chopped broccoli
* Cheese sauce (recipe above or prepared
store-bought sauce)
2023 Q1 Spirited VA

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