 I am going to my very first chili cook-off tomorrow, and I am nervous. I have a good chili recipe, but I really want to add something to my chili that will surprise people. Can you help me brainstorm  three unusual ingredients I can put in my chili that will make people say, "What is that?"
Not a problem. Let me help you brainstorm some ideas for unusual ingredients for your chili recipe. 

1. Fish Sauce. Fish sauce may sound like a weird ingredient for a chili recipe, but it will bring your chili's umami flavor up another level. Umami is synonymous with savouriness, and your chili should be a hearty, savory dish. The Fish sauce will be a great unusual ingredient to add.  
2. Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic Vinegar will help add salt content to your chili. It also adds a sour, tangy note. These two additional flavor profiles will help give your chili that wow factor. 
3. Whiskey. Whiskey has been known to add depth to many savory dishes. By adding whiskey to your chili, you will be enhancing all the other flavors in the recipe. Be sure to give your chili time to cook the alcohol out. 