First, let's agree that chili is universal... and delicious in all its many forms. My personal go-to is Goal Post Chili, the one I have down to 20 minutes from frozen burger (two 6 minute spells in the microwave...) and cans to simmering, ready for company.
1 1/2 # hamburger browned and drained.
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 large can tomato juice
4 cans chili beans, undrained
2 T. chili powder
1/2 T. cumin
1 T beef bullion
salt to taste
1/2 t. pepper
3 T. ketchup
maybe water, depends
2 T. brown sugar (optional) not really an option if you ask me...
Mix and heat completely. Simmer if you have time. Adjust to your taste
For many years I was very blessed to be the go-to house for the guys my son hung out with... I still maintain a few here and there and one dedicated friend for, I hope, forever. This chili, tater tot casserole, and brownies made quite a few appearances!
This Christmas I began to make Pioneer Woman's chili, a real meaty hit with the guys.
Today I tried my best to create my mom's chili from my childhood. I think I decided to go out and greet the Autumn. recreating Mom's chili is very hard without quarts of home cold-packed tomatoes... or the ever beloved End of the garden Relish I so adore. My mother's chili had pieces of stewed tomato in it, which is a big no-no for some. However, I love it. I remember one of my students complaining about bits of tomatoes in chili at a school dinner. "What are those? Guts?" the cheerleader cried. Oh, Lordy.
Mom's Chili (almost)
In a huge pan...
3 # browned hamburger (drain if it needs it.)
1 can chili beans with juices
1 can black beans (or another kind) with juices
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large can whole tomatoes (squish the tomatoes quite a bit with a fork or your fingers)
1 can tomato sauce
1 T. garlic minced
2 c. water
1/2 cup ketchup (for brightening, according to Mama)
1/4 cup sorghum molasses
1/4 cup real maple syrup (Mom's preference was Indiana maple)
1/4 cup sugar (yes. it is almost like a sweet chili sauce if you add all these sweets
) I probably add more.
3 T. chili powder
1 T. cumin
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1 t. garlic powder
Simmer one hour or more, stirring often. Adjust flavors. Add more water or tomato juice if you have room in pan.
Whimsy and Hugs!
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