6 Pack Cincinnati Chili

I love Cincinnati Chili, but for the uninitiated, I have one recommendation: don't think of it like chili. My friends who expect "chili" are usually very confused when I make it for them, while the friends who expect a distinctive pasta sauce are generally more receptive. Therefore, I try to avoid using the word "chili" to describe the sauce before I introduce someone to it.

You might not like it at the outset, but some time later (sometimes a month, sometimes more), most people start craving it again. At least, that's my experience.

As my mom used to say, I get a yen for it ever couple of months, and when I do, it's insatiable (until I cook it again, of course!)

I really wanted to like this chili mix more than I did. I'm not from Ohio, so I was previously unfamiliar with Cincinnati-style chili. The problems with this chili include:
- too much cinnamon flavor
- too soupy (recipe calls for 6 cups of water!)
- no heat

It wasn't bad, but I'm unsure why this particular brand has a following. I have five more packets so I'm need to use them up. I will heavily doctor the recipe next time.

2.5 stars

This reasonably priced spice mix gives you the authentic Cincinnati chili flavor and the authentic recipe to cook it. When using meat, I cook with ground bison because it's a free-range beast, but this is also a delicious spice blend for non-traditional dishes (beans, vegetables). MMMM...enjoy!

For those who have visited Cincinnati and sampled Skyline or one of the other purveyors of Cincinnati's unique chili, this is as close as it gets. Make it yourself and enjoy! Great for a winter party to introduce a new taste to people who think that all chili must have beans and be from the southwest!

I don't seem to be able to purchase this product locally anymore. It's a very unique chilli and everyone I have served it to loves it.