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Every girl has a little black dress.

It’s short and cute.  Smells a little bit like wine and fine dining and that wedding she went to last year where she came thisclose to making out with a groomsman.

But didn’t.

Because she’s just not that kind of girl.  And this is just not that kind of dress.

(It’s far too classy for that kind of thing.)

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It is quintessential.

It transcends time. Space.  Fifth dimensions.

And it never fails to impress.

Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.  So long as she’s wearing her little black dress.

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Yes, but.  What about the men?  (And this is not a question I often ask, so bear with me.)

How can they stand up to and defend themselves against the prowess of the little black dress?  What can they ever hope to bring to the table?  Pun oh so intended.

Well.  Thanks to Susan Russo (of the lovely and wonderful blog Food Blogga) and Brett Cohen.  They now have the little black book.

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When I was asked if I wanted review Recipes Every Man Should Know, I was under the impression that the word “man” was used in the general sense.  Meaning “man, woman, and child”.  An all-encompassing kind of usage.

Wrong.  It is meant in the literal sense.  As in recipes that every male should know.

Hmm.  Intriguing.  Well, I thought.  I need as much insight into the male psyche as I can get.  So I jumped in.  Stomach first.

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This book is filled with incredibly simple and yet seriously delicious recipes.  It has chapters for breakfast classics; sandwiches, burgers, and snacks; meat and potato dinners; beer, bacon, and bar food; and, because nothing gets a woman in bed like a man who can bake – chocolate, cheesecake and more.

I made the beef and beer chili because, really, is that not the paradigm of “man food”?  And let me tell you.  My roommate and I stood over the pot.  Eating it.  With a spoon.  (Well, two spoons.)  It was that good.  It is spicy and a touch sweet.  Stuffed with beef and beans…the kind of meal that “the guys” will love on poker night.  But also one that you and your girlfriend can cuddle up with on a cold winter’s night.

Versatility, baby.  Like I said.  This little black book is the new little black dress.  Carry it around in your back pocket and not only will you automatically exude confidence, but the world will be your oyster.  You see that hot girl at the other end of the bar?  Invite her over for chili.  Trust me.  It’s in the bag.

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Beef and Beer Chili
Serves 4-6, adapted from Recipes Every Man Should Know 

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 large green or red bell pepper, chopped
1-1.25 lb ground beef
1 1/2-2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
salt, to taste
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 (14.5 oz) cans pinto or red kidney beans, drained
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (12 oz) bottle dark beer (I used Guinness)
1-2 tbsp cornmeal, optional

1. Warm oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add onions and peppers and saute 5 minutes.  add meat.  Cook until browned, about 10 minutes.  Stir in spices, salt, and brown sugar.  Add beans, tomatoes, and beer.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 20-25 minutes or until thick and soupy.  Stir in cornmeal if you want a thicker chili.

2. Serve chili hot, topped with any of the following: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced scallions or fresh cilantro.  I topped mine with a gorgeous cranberry cheddar cheese that that I purchased at Whole Foods.

This is my submission to this week’s Hearth and Soul bloghop and also to Deb’s Souper Sundays!

DISCLAIMER – Although I received these products for free, I did not receive any monetary compensation for doing this review. My thoughts and feelings on them are entirely my own.

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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94 Responses to Beef and Beer Chili – A Review of Recipes Every Man Should Know

  1. I thought the male version of the LBD was a Patriot’s jersey and sweats?? Oh wait, no, that’s just the Booze Hound 🙂 Actually, I am selling him short– he has succumbed to some of my “metro-izing” over the past few years and cleans up pretty nicely in a Banana Republic kind of way 🙂 Love the chili– he would totally go for this!

  2. Shannon says:

    hmmmm, this looks awesome. and i think i need a littler black dress 🙂

  3. girlichef says:

    Cute review, Jo! This sounds like a fun book…I’d love to give it to my brother for Christmas!! Off to see if I can afford it…. 😉

    Oh, and YUUUUUM on the chili!

  4. girlichef says:

    p.s…thanks for sharing it w/ the hearth and soul hop this week 😀

  5. Yum looking chili. That book looks promising!

  6. Kristen says:

    I have a brother who could use this, too. It sounds like a great cookbook.

  7. Donna-FFW says:

    Fabulous review, and I so enjoyed your analogy!

  8. Nelly says:

    …and Christmas present for the boyf is now FOUND. Yay! Thanks, Joanne!

    The closer I get to not being a veg*n anymore (I really just have to make the final step now…), the more I find myself craving meaty dishes. And this just looks aMAZing. That cheese, too!

  9. wowza, what a bangin’ chili recipe AND a great idea for a book! i want both of these things, beer chili and book for the boyfriend. although i do disagree that LBD does not equate classy actions. us girls can break the rules sometimes, right? right!

  10. Amy says:

    Ha! Problem is, most men would simply use this book as a coaster to place their beer on.

    In the meantime, I think I will make this chili. It could lead to something hot and steamy. In the kitchen and elsewhere. Everyone wins.

  11. Faith says:

    What a great book! I’m definitely going to look for it…and give it to my hubby so I can have a break in the kitchen, lol! The chili looks fantastic, and great use for Guinness!

  12. My husband doesn’t need that book but I have friends with husbands who do. I’m off to check it out and maybe get a note off to Santa posthaste!

    Best,
    Bonnie

  13. I sent this to the hubster. It definitely sounds like a recipe he should know.

  14. Mo Diva says:

    OOOOOH…i luvs me a man that can cook. making a note to buy that for all my best guy friends that are still single and dont know why.
    The new way to a womans heart is trhu her stomach, no?
    looks amazing.

  15. Dawn says:

    Yes I will send this to my hubby too (see Lawyer Loves Lunch comment above) so he can make this for me.

  16. Love the little black book cover! Clever! This sounds hearty and delicious. It’s freezing here right now so I’d love a bowl!

  17. elra says:

    Your bean look so delicious and mouth watering Joanne.

  18. RamblingTart says:

    Oooee, that looks SO good, Joanne! That book sounds great. I’m dying for warming, comforting dishes like chili on this oh so gray day. Mmm. 🙂

  19. Karen says:

    Great review! What kind of cheese is that? It looks like it has cranberries in it.

  20. Shanon says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  21. Shanon says:

    it is weird how MANLY beef and beer chili is. i have made a similar version, but luckily women and men both love it!

  22. Swathi says:

    Awesome review. Pepper jack looks wonderful. Liked the manly beef and beer chilli.

  23. thanks for this great review.. i really love how awesome this dish looks.

  24. Sounds yummy! I forgot that I used to make Chili with beer for an ex-boyfriend years ago. I may have to try this one out … for old times sake!

  25. Cranberry cheddar cheese? Holy cow that chili looks AMAZING! That’s one thing my husband makes that’s incredible. I’ll have to check out the book

  26. Katerina says:

    Lol, I used to have a little black dress too. Actually I had more than one. Black was and still is my favorite color. This chili looks like the epitome of chilies.

  27. Oooo.black dress n all..and Lola will surely get her man to make this chilli if she wears her little black dress.I really love the way you knit stories.Girl, you made me crave beef, first time ever in my life with those pictures..too good!

  28. NYCPatty says:

    Wow this looks so amazing! I may need to make this!

  29. Carolyn says:

    LOL this is the second review of the book where the recipe has called for beer. I am sensing a trend here! But this recipe looks really delicious to me. Sounds like a great little black book for the average non-cooking male.

  30. Oh, convince me! HA HA… just the photograph of the dish won me over… and then, you teased, step by step… a little of your story by a little… all the way to the grand finale: the recipe!
    IT LOOKS FAB!
    The photos are divine, and a little black book – well, you are absolutely right. Every man needs one, and this is one I would love for my husband to have – AND USE!
    🙂
    Valerie

  31. Looks awesome! I am going to put on my little black dress, meake this chili from that little black book…. and then eat it with my man – how HOT will I be then!!!! 🙂

    Another great post!

  32. teresa says:

    i really need to get that book for my man, especially if it means getting a night off in the kitchen and a marvelous dish like this! delicious!

  33. Ben says:

    That indeed sounds like an intriguing book, and the chili recipe… well… let’s just say I’m hungry now 🙂

  34. Big Dude says:

    With the words chili, beer, and beef in the title, how could it not be good.

  35. Cathy says:

    Hubby loves chili, and that bowl looks delicious! Very clever post – love it!

  36. Simply Life says:

    ha, are you sure med school is the right decision and writing and cooking isn’t your calling? Either way, I’m impressed you can somehow do all 3…and still give foolproof tips to men 🙂

  37. jen cheung says:

    I see cheese! YUmms – never tried this before though. I did try the original chilis but not these. they look so good – thanks for sharingg!!

    have a lovely day!
    jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca

  38. Pam says:

    I wish my husband had this cookbook before we met. He only knows how to make bean and cheese burritos – UGH! It’s cold and rainy here today… this chili would be perfect for dinner.

  39. So my bf doesn’t cook but he would love if I cooked this for him!

  40. Julie says:

    What a fun post and great recipe!! I’ve never heard of this book, I am going to check it out.

  41. nico. says:

    oooh! my boyfriend likes to make chili almost every week; maybe we can make this one this week!

  42. Reeni says:

    This is a hearty bowl of yum for any man, woman or child! And the cranberry cheese just about made me swoon! I hope I can find some. I love the premise of the book!

  43. Victoria says:

    What an awesome idea for a book! Seriously, they should sell a million copies, haha. This chili really looks great! I love chili but don’t make it very often, but it really is the perfect time of year for it 🙂

  44. claire says:

    i couldnt agree more! you are too cute! hope my boy toy learns to make some quick!

  45. Ann says:

    Love this post, Joanne. You crack me up. Looks like good Dude Food.

  46. Kevin says:

    That chili looks so good!

  47. Karen says:

    Hilarious post, as usual. This chili looks GOOD! Beer is essential in chili, if you ask me. Sounds like a fun book.

  48. Mo 'Betta says:

    awesome. I have a brother that’s single, let me know if you decide to move to NC…I’ll hook y’all up, in the mean time, maybe I should get him this book!

  49. The chili sounds good with the addition of Guinness, super delicious!

  50. Love that stout and rustic chili recipe; the book sounds like a gas!

  51. Debinhawaii says:

    Loving that chili–it looks like the perfect man food or woman food. 😉

    I am glad you are sending it to Souper Sundays.

  52. Barbara says:

    Fun book, Joanne. I should give it to my two sons…although they are pretty good cooks already. This chili looks fabulous, hearty and spicy!

  53. I am going to guess that there is not a tofu chapter in the book

  54. Julie says:

    did you know i specifically came to my google reader for you! i was praying for the grasshoppers. you gave me man food. i guessssssssssssssss this would be good IF i had a man. but instead i want to drown my school work sorrows in green grasshopper lovin.

    i’ll be back 😉

  55. Mary says:

    What a fabulous dish. This looks hearty, spicy and delicious.I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary

  56. Thanks for sharing this from Susans book Joanne. I havge seen glimpses of recipes on her site and others and it looks like a great book to add to our collections.

  57. Dinetonite says:

    What a great perfect its look delicious i will make them soon. Thank you very much.

  58. Joannnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeee.

    1. This looks delicious. Clever book with clever recipes. Two thumbs up and clinking beer mugs all around.

    2. I am so beyond exhausted with my schedule this past week and a half and I haven’t even had time to check your blog until today. I am so far behind. (And some of these interviews are NOT worth it.)

    3. Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (This is me whining to you some more.)

    4. Thanks for listening 🙂

  59. grace says:

    fact: i have no little black dress. i had one, but it finally bit the dust and hasn’t been replaced. i do, however, have a chili recipe, and it’s so very similar to this that i’m kinda surprised!

  60. Hannah says:

    Instant man pleasers: Chili, and beer. This is one a guaranteed hit, I’d say! I bet it would still be well received even if I mucked with it and used seitan instead of beef… 😉

  61. Only u could write so about the little black dress and the little black book and delightfully so!
    Susan rocks and i see u have a bowl of absolute deliciousness here!
    Love the pic of the cheese and chopped up veggies and yeah am now in love with ur cuttn board too!

  62. Stella says:

    Nice, Joanne! Your photos are extra beautiful here. In fact, now I want a bowl of this chili;) And that’s coming from a vegetarian…!

  63. Looks like a pretty cool little book! Maybe I should get it for my brother in law when he graduates from college . . . though that’s not for a couple years yet.
    Oh, and that block of cranberry cheddar cheese–YES!

  64. Alisa Cooks says:

    Now that is an awesome idea for a recipe book! You’ve certainly done it justice too. Perhaps if that groomsman had this little book in his possession, he may have won over the LBD.

  65. Monet says:

    I need to get my brother-in-law this book. He refuses to cook. REFUSES. And it drives me and my poor sister crazy. This soup looks so delicious. I want some chili now (and not this boring grilled cheese sandwich). Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a lovely evening!

  66. Sounds like a book every man should read and cook from! And, I love a chili recipe with beans. Looks great!

  67. Elizabeth says:

    Sequel to this wonderful little book: “Men Who Cook and the Women Who Love Them.” The name “Beef and Beer Chili” is so manly-sounding and comforting. Nice.

  68. Lea Ann says:

    As always great post Joanne. I love chili of any kind and this looks like a great recipe. What kind of cheese is that?

  69. If only every bridesmaid had this cookbook! The flavors of this chili sound amazing. Will put on my “must try” list!

    Donna

  70. Easy, tasty and few ingredients. Bet any guy would love it any day.

  71. i so need to get myself a little black dress…and this post made me wonder what’s “the recipe every hong kong men should know that’s not instant noodles”…i guess it’s fried chicken wings heheheh

  72. Chris says:

    I’m wearing my little black dress while I write this…and making a bowl of chili:)

    To put a spin on this sexist “men need to know how to cook” (ha ha), when Trevor was about 6, his friends mother said she had to go cook dinner and he literally started laughing. He said, “Everyone knows that women don’t cook!”

    I realized then I had to give up some control in the kitchen! But damn I love cooking.

  73. tigerfish says:

    You mean…every man should know how to cook this? or eat this? ;p …for sure, the man in my house does not know…HOW TO COOK! :O

  74. Mmmm… looks delicious, but when it comes to cooking, I’m not really into it.

  75. You make me laugh! I love your brain.

  76. wow great recipe and fun little black book!

  77. Kim says:

    This was a cute review Joanne. Love how you tied the LBD with the LBB. That is one gorgeous chili, very photogenic (which isn’t always the case with chili).
    You definitely have me wondering about that cheese in the background though. I’m wondering just what kind that is?

  78. Great story and great recipe! Oh, please go to my blog to claim your Stylish Blogger Award. It was given to me by another fantastic blogger, Elisabeth and one of the rules is to pass on to other bloggers whom I think are fantastic and you are one of them in my list. Thanks again for sharing with us all the wonderful stories and recipes. HUGS!

  79. Louanne says:

    ROFL, Joanne! Love the pepper jack on the chili, which looks delicious!

  80. What a great theme for a book! We Canadians are big fans of beef and beer chili – bring it on!

  81. Joanne, This is a brilliantly written post. I can’t thank you enough for the fabulous review!

  82. Wonderful review…and love the recipe, great
    for sure for the fellows but anybody could be
    included 🙂

  83. Little Inbox says:

    Ho Ho Ho…Merry Christmas to you!

  84. kristi says:

    This is my first time to your blog and I love it! I’m super impressed that you have time to cook this much AND write a blog. I’m a 4th year med student and I remember weeks would pass during 1st and 2nd year where I was unable to make it to the grocery store, let alone cook a decent meal.
    I made this chili last night- I used Murphey’s stout and it was delicious! Great recipe!
    And for the record, I do own that same black dress that comes with it’s own groomsman story 😉

  85. Kerstin says:

    This looks super comforting and hearty – yum! Definitely should be in everyone’s book 🙂

  86. Heather says:

    This looks like the quintessential chili recipe! I have to stash it away for our annual “Chili & Beer” party. 🙂

  87. Stephanie says:

    Mmm…Guinness. That’s the best. I love adding dark beer to my chili — it’s what gives it depth and so much flavor. Love it. Plus, you can take a swig before pouring the entire bottle in. :-p

  88. Sounds absolutely delicious! Perfect for these chilly winter nights :)!

  89. My husband would marry me all over again if I made this. Beef and beer? Oh yes please!

  90. mestorey says:

    Hi Joanne,

    I wanted to know if it would be possible to feature this recipe on CraftBeer.com? One of the main goals of this site by the Brewers Association is to elevate the status of craft beer and bring beer back to the dinner table through pairings and cooking with it.

    I would create a post similar to this one: http://www.craftbeer.com/pages/beer-and-food/recipes/recipes-list/show?title=pumpkin-ale-profiteroles-with-cinnamon-caramel-sauce and include your bio/photo/link to Eats Well with Others.

    Please let me know if this would be ok, or if you have any questions! Meghan

  91. Anonymous says:

    Sounds delish, may make for aniversary!

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