High-End Poker Party Food Ideas

When people host poker parties, usually the host can get away with simple food options: chips and salsa, dips, or even veggie platters.

While most players at your "every day" poker party will be happy with such foodstuffs, there will come a time when you might want to impress your guests and simple snacks will just not do. Maybe there's a VIP slated to attend or you want to leave a good impression so that folks will come back to play another day. Whatever the reason, my chili will be a definite hit and will raise the ante on the party flavor! I always get great reviews from my poker guests.

Steak Chili

Chili is the perfect poker party food because it stays hot (assuming you have a crock pot), portions are controlled by the individual, as is the flavor/hotness. There are a couple special touches with this chili that will make it very appealing to your audience: black beans, carmalized onions and most importantly, marinated steak!

Requirements:
Crock pot
Frying pan
Cooking oil
Plastic serving bowls (I recommend styrofoam)

Ingredients:
(1 - 1.5) lbs Ground Beef
(2) lbs Steak (London Broil or Flank)
(1) 15 oz can of Black Beans
(1) 15 oz can of Pink (small) Kidney Beans
(1) 15+ oz can of Red Kidney Beans
1 large onion (Vidalia, Yellow, or White)
1 store-brand container of BBQ sauce or marinade mix
1 can of beer (optional)
1 Large Red or Green Bell Pepper
Chili Powder
Powdered Red Cayenne Pepper
Crushed/Minced Garlic (or Garlic Powder)
Salt
1 bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 bag Oyster Crackers, Tortilla Chips, or Rolls

Directions:
12-36 hours prior, cube the raw steak into 1 inch pieces, place in a ziplock bag with the BBQ/marinade sauce and marinade in the fridge.

Place the marinated steak and ground beef into crock pot and turn it on to get the meat started.
Drain the beans and place them in with the meat, loosely stir.
Chop the pepper and throw it in, along with the beer.