Month: June 2007 (Page 2 of 2)

Recipe Source: Jules @ everydaymommy.net

“Our extended autumn-like weather came to an abrupt end yesterday when the temperatures dropped to below 20º and Kansas City was hit by a wave of sleet. The frozen ground is now covered with one to two inches of tiny ice pellets. When the weather is this bitter there’s only one thing to do. Make chili! I’m not sure if I’ve shared my chili recipe before, but here ’tis. I think everyone has their own way of making chili, and this is mine. To those of you in Texas, I apologize. This is yankee-style chili. But, it tastes darn good.”

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 lg green bell pepper, diced
2 lg yellow onions, diced
3 cans chili beans (I prefer Brooks brand chili hot beans)
1 can beef broth
1 x-large can tomato juice (juice, not sauce – get the x-large can)
3-4 tbsp brown sugar
3-4 tbsp liquid smoke (I prefer Colgin brand liquid smoke)
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Chili powder
Dash Cayenne pepper
1/2 stick butter

Directions:

In your largest pot saute the diced onion and diced bell pepper in about 2 tbsp olive oil till tender. Season with salt. Add beef and pork and brown completely. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic powder and salt. Add beans, beef broth, tomato juice, brown sugar and liquid smoke. Stir well and let simmer on low about 30 minutes. Liquids will reduce slightly and flavors will blend. Season to your taste with chili powder and cayenne pepper. Be careful with the cayenne as a little goes a long way. Stir well and taste for seasoning. When it is seasoned to your taste add (yes, this is the secret) the half stick of butter. Let it melt in the chili and stir well. Check seasoning before serving. The longer you allow the chili to simmer the more reduced the liquid will be and the more concentrated the flavors.

Serve with a bit of sharp cheddar cheese on top and crackers. Enjoy!