It's Game Day Baby!

So you can take the girl out of Alabama, but you can't take the Alabama out of the girl!  I live in Los Angeles now, but I'm still a Bama girl through and through.  So naturally I'm up watching the Bama v. Penn State game and though I would share with you my favorite game day recipe!  I usually enjoy this when it is a little cooler outside, but still you can't beat a HUGE bowl of chili!  I took this one from foodnetwork.com, which is a GREAT resource.  This recipe is also good if you are throwing a very low key party with your friends.  Take a look and ROLL TIDE!!

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle beer
• 3 cups black beans
• 2 (14-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• Kosher salt
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Grated Cheddar, for garnish
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Directions

In a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat renders and the bacon is cooked, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook until the onion softens, about 5 more minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the beef and cook until no longer pink. Raise the heat to medium-high, deglaze with the beer, and allow to bubble and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the beans, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cocoa, and salt. Stir to combine well. Simmer for 30 minutes, or more, and serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped scallion, if desired.