Tonight we had Chili, per Hannah's request. It was a good day for it because it was rainy and not blistering hot out and so that was a plus, although I would have fixed her chili even if it had been a billion degrees outside. She is a very motivated young lady, she has a job, and goes to college, and tries her best to pay for her own things with the exception of car insurance and cell phone, so if it's chili she wants, then its chili she gets.



I posted a chili recipe before that is hella good. But I tried a new recipe today and it was a big hit too. Maybe even a bigger hit. It fed the masses for sure. In fact there were no leftovers, I had a couple of our plantationites, come to me asking if there was more chili and sadly there was not, and even hubby who's flattery on my cooking is usually  along the lines of "I cleaned my plate didn't I?" or "it filled the empty spot" made the remark that "that chili sure was good", but he hoped it didn't give him heartburn later" So basically I tuned him out after the "that chili was good", called it a compliment, and patted myself on the back. Pleased to say tho I did not see him hitting the Tums bottle at all afterwards so that's great too.

If I had to define my cooking style I would call it experimental, and although I don't show you the fails often, believe me I fail.. often.. But not with this chili. My experimental nature in cooking is one reason I started blogging my recipes, so that when I hit on a keeper and they say "mom I sure wish you would fix that again" I can come to my blog and "whoop there it is" the recipe that I otherwise would have no clue how to re-create.  I hope you enjoy some of these yummy recipes too.

I planned to cook corn bread to go with it, but as the day progressed and my purple cornmeal didn't show up in the mail as expected I just decided to go with oyster crackers which are always a winner. But I am super excite for my purple corn meal to show up. I have never cooked with purple corn meal, or even heard of purple corn.. But OMG!!!! PURPLE CORN MEAL how can that be anything but wonderful... So as I was saying there was no cornbread today but here is that awesome chili recipe that is share worthy and I hope you enjoy..




Mama's medium spicy chili

2 lbs ground beef
2 cans rotel tomatoes
2 cans tomatoes sauce
2 cans stewed tomatoes
2 cans light or dark red kidney beans ( i used dark)
1/2 cup celery finely dices ( I like to use the celery leafs and smaller ends it just makes it prettier)
1 small can v8 juice
2 cloves garlic (cuz I had them on hand)
1 tbsp garlic powder
salt to taste
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tbsp franks red hot hot sauce
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tbsp instant coffee
1/2 cup diced onions
1 tbsp brown sugar (honey or molasses will also work)

brown ground beef, diced onions, and finely chopped garlic until meat is well done.. drain in a colander and return to pot, or your slow cooker, add all other ingredients and simmer at a low setting for 3 hours.

***I have a plain old electric stove and I usually let mine simmer at around 2 on the dial. Stirring occasionally. You could also cook this in your crock pot or slow cooker if you wanted. 

***If the spice is too much for you, although it shouldn't be, sour cream, or cheese will cut the heat

Toppings and add-in ideas for chili
serve with scallions, green onions, sour cream, cheddar, french friend onions, black olives, crushed Doritos, Frito's, avocado, shredded lettuce, ranch dressing, jalapenos, bacon bits, corn bread, saltines, oyster crackers, cheez-its, or any other thing that makes your little heart happy..

Ideas for left over chili (we did not have left over chili)

put in a skillet and top with corn bread or biscuits or Bisquick dough and cheese and bake until golden and bubbly,

 use to top hot dogs, 

 put in casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes cheese and french fried onions until golden brown

nacho night, Doritos or tortilla chips, chili, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, avocado, black olives, nacho cheese sauce, (the sky is the limit)

roll out pre-made biscuit dough and fill with chili and cheese for a fantastic empanada

add chili to your favorite omelet

add to fritatas

top hash browns or fries or tater tots with chili

top a baked potato with chili and cheese and sour cream and chives

add chili to your grilled cheese

add chili to you mac n cheese

mix with canned corn and jiffy mix top with cheese and bake as you would cornbread

put it in a tortilla shell with rice and cheese

These are just some ideas, that hopefully were useful to you.. Let me know in comments...