Dinner Tonight

Everyone is always asking me for a good chili recipe. I, actually, searched for YEARS to find one that was good, practical, cheap, and easy to make. I actually ended up combining several ideas, modifying the recipes, etc. And here you have it:

Chili

1-2 lbs beef (ground, stew meat, leftover roast, canned beef chunks--whatever)
2 cans (8oz) tomato sauce
2 cans beans (any variety you like in chili--even 1 can of store-bought chili and 1 can pork n' beans works)
1 onion, diced (or 1 tbsp dried minced onion)
1-2 cans diced green chilies (opt, but really add a lot)or 1-2 diced fresh ones(opt)
1/4 c diced celery (opt)
1/4 c diced green pepper (opt)
1-3 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp-1 tbsp chili powder (depending on how flavorful you want it)
1/2-1 tsp black pepper (depending on how "hot" you like it)
1 tsp salt

Brown veggies (if you're using them) and meat (or otherwise cook it; if it's leftover roast, chop it); drain the fat. In a large pot, combine everything. Bring to a boil. Simmer as long as you like to blend the flavors (10 minutes-3 hours--add water if you need so it doesn't burn). You can do this in a crock pot with stew beef and cook it all day. I usually use 1 lb stew beef, plus the sauces and spices in the crock pot for 3-4 hours on high. Then I brown and drain 1 lb ground beef with whatever veggies I'm using (except cook the onions in the crock pot)and add the beans and hamburger at the same time for the last hour or so of cooking. DON'T use dry beans and try to cook them in the crock pot. If you use dry beans, cook them thoroughly on the stove and add them fully cooked.

And, to go with your chili:

The Best Corn Bread
1 1/4 c flour
3/4 c cornmeal
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 c sugar or so (I honestly use a handful)
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 c milk
1/4 c shortening
1 egg

Mix powdered ingredients. Cut in shortening with a pastry cutter. Add milk and egg and stir just until blended. Pour into a greased 7x10 or 8x8 square pan or a round cake pan. Bake at 400 F for 25-30 minutes (until golden).

And, to go with your corn bread:

Honey Butter
1/2 c butter, softened (margarine doesn't really work...although I keep trying it and it tastes okay; it just doesn't whip)
1/3 c honey

Whip in a mixer until light and fluffy.