~Momma's Chili~

I *love* this time of year!

Seriously, I can start dinner ANY time of day, then just let it simmer on the stove until Dean gets home.  Talk about working into my schedule - this is awesome!!

And you NEED to try this chili recipe.  Yes, I know, everyone has their own chili recipe and they are all FABULOUS.  But really, *try this one* - just for a change of pace, if nothing else.  It's a bit sweet, a bit spicy and it tastes so amazing you don't even need all those "normal" chili extras (i.e. crackers, shredded cheese, sour cream, etc.).  Although I have been known to take leftovers and pour it over some corn chips.  Or maybe over some spaghetti noodles...mmmm, that would be delish!!  Or mac-n-cheese - hey, CHILI-MAC.  Oh. my. goodness.  Make a big ol' batch of this and you'll have delicious, interesting leftovers the kids will actually eat!

*drooling*

Ok, here's the recipe:

Saute:
3 lbs. (I use 2) hamburger (I have used bulk sausage too)
1 gr. pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced (I've used yellow/orange)
1 med. onion
salt & pepper to taste
garlic powder (I use minced garlic sometimes, whatever)


Dump into large pot and add:
5-6 Tbl. chili powder (this scared me at first, but it's good)
1 3/4 c. ketchup
3 Tbl. lime juice *a must*
4-6 Tbl. brown sugar (I go with 6)
1 Tbl. worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. mustard (I've used honey mustard before)
1 1/2 Tbl. cumin
3 c. tomato juice (I usually use tom. sauce - today I used some tomato soup as well)
1 (16oz) can kidney beans; drained (today I used a can of red & a can of white)
1 (14oz) can stewed tomatoes (today I used diced tomatoes w/ jalepenos in them)
1 c. beef bouillon (I use 1 c. hot water w/ 1 tsp. beef base mixed in)
salt & pepper & garlic to taste, if needed (I never do)


Stir altogether ~ bring *just* to a low simmer.  Reduce to very low, cook for 1-2 hours.

As long as you keep the sweet & spicy, the vinegar, the mustard, the ketchup, the basics the same - you can play around with this recipe to use what you have on hand.  Any kind of tomato products will work.  Only have a big ol' jar of diced tomatoes?  Fine.  Squish 'em up a bit and you're set - maybe just add some water.  Use whatever ground meat you want to - there's enough spices and taste in here for turkey...hey, maybe some venison!?!   Yum.  Don't have enough meat - stretch it out with more beans, more tomatoes, more veggies...

ENJOY!!