Culinary Travel: Ohio

Ohio may be best known as the “Buckeye” state but Ohio is U.S. heartland. If that word doesn't conjure up images of baskets full of fresh vegetables, white and golden ears of corn, and buckets of shiny red apples, what else would?  Iowa? Ohio food may never really be something that is distinctly part of Ohio, because they are part of the Midwest. However, a number of foods and food products originated in Ohio, like Stadium Mustard and Stouffer's Dinners. 

The pride of Cincinnati is its famous chili, known as Skyline Chili, or simply Cincinnati chili. This dish, a version of chili con carne with sweet seasonings including cinnamon, cloves, and even chocolate. If that sounds much like a south of the border influence, it is.

Homemade Cincinnati "Skyline" Chili Recipe

Ingredients

1 quart cold water
2 pounds ground chuck
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 yellow onions, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon. cider vinegar
1 whole bay leaf
1 pound fresh grated mild cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon Real Salt (to taste)

Directions

Add ground chuck and water to a 4-quart pot. Bring to a simmer while stirring until the ground beef is in very small pieces. Simmer for 30 minutes and add the remaining ingredients. 

Simmer, uncovered on low, for 3 hours. Add water as needed if the chili becomes too thick. 

Serve fresh and piping hot over your choice of food items.

Cincinnati Chili is perfect served over spaghetti. Or if you like over any pasta. Cover with the mild cheddar cheese to taste. Some also consider this chili the perfect topping for your favorite hotdog.

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