Fireman's Chili

[mgroves6]

I'm looking for a recipe for chili made by the fireman of the West Springfield, Mass fire department. The chili has been served for several years at the Big E in that city. I have tried many chili's and chili recipes and have never found one with this interesting flavor. I'm told it does contain some liquor (I think Jack Daniels), but couldn't find out the secret sweet ingredient.

This is a beanless chili with an initial taste of sweet ( thought I wasn't going to like it then), then you're hit with the heat. Not just burn--great flavor all around.

Hope you can help. Thanks

[K. Slink]

It might be brown sugar, that's what I use in my chili for the sweet hint.....

[mgroves6]

I did one with brown sugar--sweet but not the right flavor. Tonite I tried one with honey..still not sweet enough. BTW the chili I'm looking for was not a thick, chunky kind..it was almost soupy--almost. I saw a recipe that called for maple syrup...not brave enough to try that one yet!

[K. Slink]

You may be looking for a Cincinnati style chili, which is quite different from "regular" chili.....

Could molasses be the sweetener?

[mgroves6]

I suppose it could but molasses has such a strong flavor I'd think it would come through pretty clearly. I've tried the "Airline" chili that comes in a can... way too much cinnamon for me. I'll keep checking....

[BasilRock]

I add a little dark chocolate to my chili. It does not have a chocolate taste, but just a soft note in the background which has people asking "what is in there"? Maybe that is what they use.

[K. Slink]

Sometimes I put some cocoa powder in mine, it also has that mysterious element to it that keeps people guessing...

[K. Slink]

I live in the area, I can call and make some inquiries for you...

[KarenB]

If it's award winning it will be on this site.

http://www.chilicookoff.com/Recipe/R...ipes.asp?Cat=1

[K. Slink]

I was told to call back early tomorrow morning and maybe someone would be there who could help in this quest. Don't know if it's a secret recipe or not, but I guess we'll find out tomorrow.....