Shades Of Red

When you think about it Chili ranks as one of the perfect sports-watching foods.

It's got spice and heartiness to combat winter cold snaps. It's a simple one-pot meal that can sit on a low simmer for hours, getting more flavorful

with each passing play.

And most important for the novice cook, it's an easy way to learn basic stewing

techniques, which are the foundation of a solid kitchen play book.

Chili also holds the cultural distinction of being the offical ''guy food'' of the blustery

winter months. In other words, it's one of the few dishes that the male of the species might learn to cook voluntarily, especiallly if the local tavern sponsors an annual chili cook-off. (Even the ever -popular hot wings don't come with built-in

potential for bragging rights.)

In summertime, the out-door grill defines the guy food universe (burgers,hotdogs

steaks). But once the temperatures dip toward freezing, a bubbling pot of chili

emerges as valid cold-weather alternative. Even a rank beginner can feed a gang of beer-swigging pals with out braving midseason frostbite.