cliv

I was watching the Food Finds on the Food Network a couple of weeks ago and they had a segement on Skyline Chili from Cincinnati. The 3-Way (spaghetti topped with chili and cheese) sounded good so I ordered the chili from them. I did everything according to the recipe on the can of chili and it came out less tasty than expected. Actually I ate half a serving before I couldn't eat anymore. Has anyone else tried this at home or at the Skyline restaurant ? I must have done something wrong because it must taste better than what I made.

davik

I'm a cincinnati native, and absolutely love Skyline, but I've been told by some people that it's a bit of an acquired taste. For other ideas of what to do with skyline chili, you can put a hotdog in a bun, put chili on it, then put cheese on top, makes a cheese coney. For another idea (and I've never had a complaint on this one) make chili dip: smooth a package of cream cheese on the bottom of a loaf pan, pour the chili on top; cheddar cheese on top is optional. Bake the whole mess at about 350 for 20 minutes or so then mix it up; it looks kind of disgusting, but eaten as a dip on tortilla chips it's excellent party food. If you have any other questions just post them up here (should probably PM me to make sure I know to check back).

__________________
"Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform."
-- Mark Twain

wraithhibn

Grew up in NKY eating Skyline all my life. It's definitely a different taste than most chili, it has some chocolate and other odd spices in it. I like 3-ways, you can add onions and/or beans to have a 4 or 5 way. Davik is right about the Cheese Coneys, hot dog, mustard, onions, chili and cheese. If you're a big chili person you probably won't like it, but its worth a try. Most people either love it or hate it.

__________________
If you won't dress like the Victoria Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

doodlebird

born in cincy, grew up eating skyline. love it.
now i live in TX where chili (among other things) is a matter of national (state) pride. i've learned that i can't really call the cincinnati version chili if i want anyone to like it. i call it a "chili sauce".

also for tips on how to enjoy it...
i hope you didn't eat it straight.
(i think you had the 3 way)
my dad used to eat it by the bowl and it grossed me out.
would you eat tomato sauce plain out of the jar?
a bite yes, a whole bowl, no.
i digress...
i support the 3 way:
the "chili sauce" on top of spaghetti topped with a mound of freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese. add oyster crackers if you wish.
add kidney beans or onions for a 4 way, both for a 5 way.
i do like to "drain" mine. (they do this at the restaurant upon request)
you put the chili on top of the noodles
and tilt your plate over the sink
so the juice that pools under the noodles
runs off the plate, but you have to hold the noodles on.
i find it's a little less watery this way.

all that said,
i don't ever get the chili in a can.
i make it fresh with these packets...

http://www.cincinnati-to-you.com/Def...66&ProdID=3073

i have 5 in my cupboard now.
i often use a really lean beef or turkey,
you can't tell the difference after it cooks for 1.5 hours.

good luck!

tspikes51

I live in Lexington, and am a Bengals season ticket holder, so I eat a TON of Skyline. I love it!!! But I always go 5-way with heavy beans (a 5-way is spaghetti topped w/ chili, cheese, onions, and beans). How was it bad??? Sometimes I have eaten Skyline that was really watery, and that was pretty sub-par. My suggestions are to start eating it fast, and then slow down; serve it w/ oyster crackers like they do at the restaraunts; drink Coke with it; and most importantly, add beans and onions, (or at least beans). Hope this help.

Blackthorn

Skyline chili - even from the can is also good to use to make nacho dip. It's got a good enough spice blend to make a very yummy dip. You can also throw in a little hot sauce to get it kicked up a bit.

I'll eat at a Skyline right across the street from my office at least once a week. The four way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions) is my dish of choice. I'd think if you keep the chili sauce perhaps a little thicker than the can recommends you'll be better off. That being said I've tried it from the can and it doesn't compare to getting it from the restraunt. It's still good and will work when you are not around the 'nati.

Press on young grasshopper....the Skyline chili will reward you!

__________________
What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?

cliv

Thanks for all the replies. I get to Cincinnati about once a year and I didn't learn about Skyline until after my visit this year. Next year, I'll find a Skyline restaurant when I'm there.

CinnamonGirl

Gold Star is better

IMO, Skyline (or Gold Star) from the can doesn't taste the same as the restaurant stuff. Still pretty damn good, though...

davick, the chili dip sounds yummy...gonna have to try that one

hmmm...everyone's already mentioned my favorites (cheese coneys and 3-ways, though I don't like mustard & onions on mine)... you can always skiup the hot dogs entirely and go with the chili cheese sandwiches (which are the same price as regular coneys--someone explain that one to me.)

__________________
"...for though she was ordinary, she possessed health, wit, courage, charm, and cheerfulness. But because she was not beautiful, no one ever seemed to notice these other qualities, which is so often the way of the world."


"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

Blackthorn

1) Skyline kicks Goldstar's butt and I'm never one to be biased...

2) Any of it from the can is definitely never as good as fresh from the store...

3) The dogs that sit on that griddle all day long are worthless...

__________________
What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?