TEXAS RISING CHILI CON CARNE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Toast the whole dried ancho, arbol and New Mexico chiles on a baking sheet until puffed, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool. Remove the seeds and stems
• In a spice or coffee grinder, grind the toasted chiles until fine. In a small bowl, mix the chile powder, cumin and oregano with enough hot water (about 2 tablespoons) until a thick paste forms.
• Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and render until crispy, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and reserve on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the fat in the pot.
• Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper. Increase the heat under the pot to medium high, add the beef in batches and cook until browned. Remove the beef and set aside. Add the chile paste and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add in the onions, season with salt and pepper and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the jalapenos and garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the beef back to the pot along with the hot beef stock, crushed tomatoes and cornmeal. Bring to a simmer and cook at a simmer until thick and rich, about 2 1/2 hours, adding more beef stock if the chili is getting too thick. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Finish with lime juice to taste.
• Serve with Perry County Corn Bread and choice of toppings: crispy bacon, fried onions, crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocados and corn nuts.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Heat the butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until melted.
• In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour and salt. In a measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
• Mix the buttermilk/egg mixture into the dry mix until creamy and pourable. Add more buttermilk if needed to achieve the appropriate consistency. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and stir lightly. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.