Chili

Any day... any month... Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: I will cook chili. It is one of my all time favorite meals. (I say this all the time, but really, chili is way up on the list of my “favorites!”) Years ago when I started trying to determine the actual measurements and proportions of my favorite recipes, The Chili was the first one I tackled. My family ate it a couple times a month for a bit as I created what you see before you today.

Growing up, Mom took a much less involved route and would make chili using the recipe on the McCormick Original packaging. This is definitely to her credit... it is still my favorite store bought mix. To this day, I make it McCormick's way when I am missing her. Either way, serve with a side of french fries sprinkled with seasoned salt, and you have a perfectly dreamy combo. Have a salad if you must, but don't skip the fries! You can't effectively clean the sides of the bowl with a piece of romaine.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Jimmy Dean Sausage

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2 tsp garlic salt If using fresh garlic, add 1/2 tsp salt and add when meat is almost finished browning.

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 TBS chili powder

• 1 can of each: kidney, pinto and northern beans (with juice)

• 2 cans diced tomatoes (one for beginning one for end. Strain one at end unless you feel the chili is too thick)

• 2 cans tomato sauce

• 1 can paste

• 1 beer (An amber works best. If you want to get technical, Amstel Light. But any ale or amber works)

• 3 1/2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp dry mustard

• 1/2 tsp curry seasoning

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 1 1/4 tsp baking chocolate, not sweet

• 1/4 (+) cayenne

• 1 tsp crushed pepper flakes

• 2 tsp basil

• 1.5 tsp brown sugar (dark if you have it)

• 2 1/2 tsp parsley

Cook meat about half way, then sprinkle 1/2 tbs of chili powder, 1 tsp black pepper and garlic salt on meat. When close to done add onion.

Add all cans (all juice) (except one can diced tomatoes)

Add all other spices, mix well and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Add last can of tomatoes, drained, about 30 minutes before serving.

Makes 8-10 servings

Serve with french fries, beer, and toppings of your choice: cheese, sour cream, jalepenos, corn, scallions, cornbread, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, rice, bacon...

This blog is a personal collection of my thoughts, wins, losses, memories, and crossroad moments. Almost all of which were hashed out around my kitchen counter and in my journals. If any of it resonates with you and you are ready to free-up the hidden badass you ARE right now, I can help. It’s time… Click the link and Let’s chat.