Montalbano's Marvelous Mojo

Thank you to all the organizers, competitors, and judges who made the 2009 Marvel Chili Cook-Off a fantastic time! Below is the recipe for my 1st Place and People's Choice award-winning chili - Montalbano's Marvelous Mojo!

Base
4 lbs Ground Chuck (preferably organic and freshly ground)
1 lb Bacon, finely diced (preferably organic/preservative free)
1 Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
1 Large Yellow Onion, finely diced
6 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo, finely diced + 2 Tb of the Adobo Sauce
18 oz (2+ Cups) Low-Sodium Beef Broth
12 oz (1 1/2 Cups) Medium Ale (I used Rogue Dead Guy)
16 oz (2 Cups) Tomato Sauce (homemade preferred, or substitute a good brand of canned, crushed plum tomatoes)

Drop 1 
2 Tb Onion Powder
2 Tb Garlic Powder
2 Tb Chili Powder
4 Bay Leaves

Drop 2
3 Tb Light Chili Powder
4 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 Tb Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Cube Beef Bullion
1 Cube Chicken Bullion
2 Tb Dark Brown Sugar

Drop 3
2 tsp Cumin
Juice of 2 Limes
Salt to taste
Hot Sauce (optional depending on spice preference - it will already be fairly spicy from the Cayenne and Chipotles. I additionally used a single drop of Blair's Mega Death)

In a heavy 8 quart pot, render the bacon over low heat until it is cooked through, but not totally crispy. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and set aside (this will be added back in later on, or you could optionally reserve it to be used as a condiment during serving). Add the Green Pepper, Onion, Garlic, and Chipotles and cook over low heat in the bacon fat until translucent. Remove the vegetables and set aside. Add the Ground Chuck and brown in the remaining fat (add Olive Oil if not enough fat remains). Season lightly with Salt and Pepper.

Add the bacon and vegetables back to the pot and stir to combine. Drain any excess fat, then add the Ale, Beef Broth, and Tomato Sauce. Bring to a boil, then add the first Drop. Stir, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour. Check and stir occasionally to make sure your heat is not too high.

Add the second Drop, stir, cover the pot again and continue simmering for 30 minutes.

Add the third Drop, stir and continue simmering for 15 minutes, uncovered. Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Serve the chili simply by itself or with your favorite condiments. I prefer some finely grated sharp white Vermont cheddar.