Venison Chili

If you don't have venison on hand beef is an exceptable replacement:) This is Aaron's all time favorite!

1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 pounds boneless venison rump, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/2 pound ground venison, or ground pork 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows 2 cups chopped yellow onions 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 to 3 large jalapenos, seeded and minced, to taste 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano 1 teaspoon salt 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can crushed tomatoes and their juices 1 (8-ounce) bottle beer 1 1/2 cups beef stock 1 can chili, pinto or kidney beans 2 tablespoons masa harina 1/4 cup water Grated cheddar cheese, garnish (Longhorn: recommended) Minced yellow onions, garnish In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and Essence, and stir with a long-handled wooden spoon to break up the pieces. Cook, stirring, until the meat is brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, oregano and salt, and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices, beer, and stock. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the meat is tender and cooked through, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add beans then: In a small bowl, dissolve the masa in the water and stir to make a thick paste. Add to the chili and stir to incorporate. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or longer. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. Ladle into chili bowls. Sprinkle with grated cheese and minced onions. Serve with hot cornbread, muffins or garlic bread, as desired. Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning): 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano 1 tablespoon dried thyme Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container. Yield: about 2/3 cup