'Today's' Roker keeps warm during cooler months with his favorite chili

As a host and weatherman of NBC's "Today Show," fun-loving Al Roker brings a smile to the faces of millions of fans as Americans prepare for a busy day. His encounters with visitors from across the country on the sidewalks outside Studio 1-A in New York City are always a highlight of the show.

A nine-time Emmy winner, Roker also hosts a variety of NBC specials, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day and Rose Bowl parades. He's a best-selling author with four acclaimed books to his credit, and is admired worldwide for his work with a host of charitable efforts. He's also CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, which produces dozens of special TV projects every year for networks all over the dial.

A native of Queens, N.Y., he still lives in the Big Apple with his wife and family. Roker will be one of the dozens of super celebrities mingling with thousands of fans at the 6th Annual Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Feb. 22-25, 2007. For more info: www.roker.com and www.sobewineandfoodfest.com.

Of all the food segments on "Today," does one stand out as a favorite, or one that maybe went wrong in an amusing way?

"One day on a Monday, we had a recipe that called for a swap out of the dish we were preparing with a finished version. While we were live on the air, I went to get the dish out of the oven. It turned out the stagehands had wheeled out the oven from the "Weekend Today" show. To make matters worse, they had not removed the dish that had been prepared two days before! Needless to say, it was not what we wanted to show the audience. But I did anyway. It got a big laugh."

Fans know you as a host of huge parades.

If you could create a parade for your favorite snack, tell us what your float would look like.

"It would be made of Ring Dings, Yankee Doodles and Yodels."

Viewers are always sending you food items, right?

"One of the wildest ever was a giant Al Roker made out of Smarties."

Other than your hometown of New York, what U.S. city would you be happy to live in just because of the food and restaurants?

"Chicago."

What's your favorite activity during the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, and what fellow celebs are you looking forward to seeing?

"The eventual downpour that turns the event into a giant Wet T-Shirt Contest! I can't wait to see everyone." AL ROKER'S CHILI

"A nice warm cornbread is perfect with this tasty chili," Al says.
2 pounds chuck steak cubed in bite-size
pieces
1 pound hot Italian sausage removed from
casings
2 large onions, diced
12 cloves of garlic, diced
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 (32 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans
1 (16 ounce) can northern beans
1 (16 ounce) can dark red kidney beans
Brown the beef and sausage in a large Dutch oven. Remove from the heat and drain off the fat, reserving about two tablespoons to saute the onions and garlic until translucent; about 7-8 minutes. Add the cumin, paprika and chili powder. Add mixture to Dutch oven, followed by the tomatoes. Stir the whole pot, and simmer on the stove for about 90 minutes. Then add the three cans of beans, simmer for another 30 minutes. Serve with dishes of chopped scallions, sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.