Penalty Flag

That roar in Ford Field wasn't the Lions fans - It was Papa Bear reacting to 9 False Starts (and a few questionable calls). This was a messy game with a side of gloating by the Lions. Don't blame Cutler, Forte or Gould - they did their jobs. It just wasn't enough and it wasn't pretty.

I pulled out all the stops to help da Bears break the Lions winning streak. With Ford Field sitting on the edge of Mexican Town, I opted for the local favorites. Tonight's menu used Pork Chile Rojo Ditka Style as the base for baked nachos and enchiladas with white sauce. Check out this recipe:

Pork Chile Rojo (Pulled Pork with Red Chile Sauce) Ditka Style

Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
1.5 TB chili powder
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cups water
1 (16 oz) jar Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
Chopped cilantro to taste
1 diced pickled jalapeno (opt)

Directions:
1.  Rub the pork roast with chili powder
2.  Place the roast in an oven roasting bag
3.  Add chopped onions on top of the roast
4.  Loosely close the bag and cut 3 1 inch slits in the top of the bag
5.  Pour the water into the bottom of the slow cooker, around the bag, at least 1 inch deep
6.  Cover and cook the pork on low for 8 hours
7.  Remove the pork and onions from the bag and place in a large dutch over, reserve 1/3 cup liquid from the bag
8.  Using 2 forks, shred the pork
9.  Stir in the salsa, tomatoes, cooking liquid, jalapeno and cilantro
10.  Bring to a boil over high, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

New Strategy

Let's review last season's efforts by this blogger to assist in overcoming the Packers. Game One I made Cheesehead Chowder - a delicious and hearty beer cheese soup. Da Bears won.

When we met our rivals again in December, I made the same Cheesehead Chowder. What was I thinking? That's like handing the Packers the playbook. This blogger has learned her lesson. I will not be announcing the winning recipe until after the game.

Come on Bears, protect Cutler like he's your kid brother and host Green Bay to a heaping helping of the Monsters of the Midway!

Brian's Back!

Watch out New Orleans, Brian Urlacher is in the House! Da Bears will be at full strength on Sunday so it's time to get cookin'. I'm bringing my A-Game: Jambalaya with a Kick! It's time for a trip to World Harvest in Champaign for Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame salsa and other special goodies. Check out this fun article about the salsa.

Cooks, it's time to whip up another win - Cajun style!

See Me at Illinois Restaurant Week in Champaign

This blogger will be sharing all things Tailgate at a cooking demonstration for Illinois Restaurant Week in Champaign. Stop by the patio at Jim Gould's (no relation to Robbie) this Saturday (9/17/11) at 1:00 PM. You might even score some Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa - one of my secret ingredients!

Super Bowl Sunday

While the Bears are on the sidelines for this one, the Super Bowl is still a great celebration of the sport of football. With that in mind, let's get this party started. On the menu tonight is the ultimate Texas-style football snack food: Chili, Chips and Salsa.

My chili is a thick, creamy treat. The level of spiciness can be easily adjusted for the audience. The "recipe" is not a constant. I believe chili is best when it's a creative experience driven by mood, music and what's in the pantry. With that disclaimer, here's the basic recipe:

Ingredients:

1 LB Ground Meat

2 Cans of Chili Beans of various degrees of spiciness

1 Can of Campbells Tomato Soup

Cilantro, cleaned and chopped

1 onion, chopped

Cumin, Chili Power, Garlic Powder, Ancho Chili Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper and Creole Seasoning - To taste

At least 1/4 Cup of Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa

Directions:

1. Brown the meat and onions, Drain

2. Add in Cilantro and brown for about 2 minutes

3. Add seasonings and Salsa and brown for another minute or two

4. Add Soup and Beans, Simmer

5. Adjust Seasonings

6. Enjoy!

A Chilly Welcome

Sunday's forecast is cold and snowy - perfect for the Bears/Packers rivalry. Smack talk abounds in both cities. In Chicago, even the arts community has taken a stand by creating their own "welcome" outside the Chicago Theater.

The menu has been set (Drum Roll Please) Smoked Cheese Sausage Balls followed by a celebratory Chicago Chili. Be sure to stock up on some delicious Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa. Go Bears!

Bears Are Armed And Dangerous

First, I have to apologize to my fellow Bears fans. Church was rocking and I got home late for the game. I quickly assembled a New York Deli Style Pastrami on Ciabatta. The score at the time was 17-10 New York. The Bears began to pull it together but they needed more help. The answer was apparent - Coach Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa! We went into halftime ahead.

Da Bears emerged from their den at the end of half time and played a Deli-Icious 3rd quarter with 3 Super Passes for Touchdowns. With a 38-34 win, the Bears forgave my tardiness and rewarded us with a totally fun football game.

Deli-Icious Pastrami

Shaved Pastrami

Ciabatta Buns

Mayo

Brown Mustard

Pickle on the Side

Chips and Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa