SOUTH PHILLY CHILI WITH HOMEMADE “WHIZ WIT” AND PRETZEL CROUTONS

Steps:

• South Philly Chili Preparation: In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium high heat, saute garlic and sausages until golden brown. Add cherry peppers, eggplant and zucchini and saute until tender. Drain off excess oil and add beans, roasted peppers, crushed tomatoes, beef broth and tomato paste and stir to incorporate. Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low and add chili powder, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook chili for 25-30 minutes stirring occasionally. Keep hot until ready to serve. Homemade Whiz Wit Preparation: In a medium sauce pot melt butter over medium heat, add flour and stir to create a roux. Pour in whole milk, whisk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in cheddar and provolone cheese half a cup at a time until completely melted and sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper and reduce heat to low, making sure to stir occasionally to keep sauce from browning on the bottom. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions add saute until caramelized, stirring frequently. Deglaze pan with cooking wine and continue to cook until wine has evaporated. Stir caramelized onions into cheese sauce. Keep hot until ready to serve. Pretzel Croutons Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 F. Toss pretzel cubes in a large metal bowl with olive oil, garlic powder and mustard powder. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until pretzels are crunchy and golden brown . To serve ladel chili into bowls, spoon cheese sauce over top and garnish with pretzel croutons.