Ham Sandwich Indicted!

So, this past weekend marked the 4th happening of my annual chili cook-off. The parental units were once again kind enough to offer up not only their lovely home, but also sprang for the rental of a giant TV. While Ohio State decimated Northwestern, guests and competitors sampled and judged 8 different--and very creative--chilies. The prizes this year were spices from Penzey's , with the first place winner--a spicy sweet number made with homegrown hot peppers--winning a 4 pack of assorted chili powders and a bottle of wine. Second place was a smokey chipotle chili made with chorizo and London broil, and third place was the "Don't Mess with Texas" chili made with beef shoulder. Yum. And I should note--I'll do a future post of the various entries if I'm able to get the competitors to share them. (I just did my standard Beef and Chocolate Chili from Tyler Florence--It's so delicious, I've not been able to find a way to improve upon it.) A fire in the fire...

I love New York City. It's one of my favorite places in the world, and I always find myself rejuvenated after a trip there. This past weekend was a jam-packed one of catching up with friends, family, and doing my fare share of eating and celebrating Halloween. We had dinner at Supper , on the Lower East Side, and I indulged in a bowl of melt-in-your mouth gnocchi with a tomato cream sauce. Saturday found me waiting for a girlfriend at Greenmarket in Union Square, where I bought some fresh apple cider and a bottle of cherry wine from Eve's Cidery in upstate NY. The Greenmarket's a great place any time during the growing season, but right now, with the harvest, it's downright amazing. As tempted as I was to load up on all sorts of goodies, I refrained, but am of course now regretting not trying to bring home some cheese or a bottle of Eve's Apple Ice Wine. Maybe next time... Below, I'm offering a little food market porn to get your week started off right. :)