So I was in the mood for Chili and it was 75 outside...

To be honest, I find that there is nothing better than a big ole bowl of chili on a cold winter's night, but I refused to say that chili has a season. Some people are very particular about only having chilis, soups and stews during the colder months- but I will make all of these any time of the year. Luckily the Dave does not have issue with that fact! Chili was the first meal I made for the Dave back in December 2006. That was our second date meal- I did not tell him that the chili was made with deer hamburger though because I did not know how he'd feel about it. However, just another thing we had in common.

Now , my momma is a big believer in Carol Shelby's chili mix- you know the one in the brown bag- and while that's fine and dandy, I make my own chili without the use of a mix. I have developed some tricks that makes my chili pop.... and my own chili seasoning so don't buy a mix! It's spicy but not too spicy. And if it still needs something, add more hot sauce to taste.. but remember, there IS ONLY one HOT SAUCE- Lousiana Hot Sauce!

So today, I give you Belinda's Chili-polooza!

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion - chopped coarsely
1 medium green or red pepper- chopped coarsely
2 tablespoons chopped jalepenos
1 clove garlic- chopped finely or pressed
1 14 oz. can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 14 once can diced tomotoes
1 can Rotel
1 can dark kidney beans-drained and rinsed.
3 tablespoons Chili seasoning
hot sauce to taste

1. Brown the ground beef with the onions and peppers. Season beef and veggies with 1 tablespoon of the chili spice.

2. Add tomato sauce, paste, tomatoes, rotel, beans, and chopped jalepenos and garlic along with 1 1/2 cans of water. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Bring to Boil and reduce to simmer.

3. Add 8-10 dashes of hot sauce and allow chili to simmer for at least one hour and reduce heat as needed.

** If you'd like to thicken the sauce, whisk cornstarch into some of the hot liquid sauce, then add back to the sauce, but bring to a slight boil again, then reduce heat.


Here's the seasoning mix recipe!

Belinda's Chili Seasoning
4 tablespoons Chili powder
2 tablespoons Cumin
2 tsp Garlic Salt
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp black pepper

Mix together and use for a wonderful chili spice!

Makes about enough for two batches of chili!