Chili

Now, I am warning you...I dont measure stuff when I make my chili. I just shake and taste! And, the real secret is not to hurry it. You have to let it cook low and slow. The longer the better. In fact...its even better the 2nd day reheated! Lets get started, shall we?

First, lets start by putting on our pretty apons so not to ruin our wonderful Shade shirts. This one was made by my mother-in-law!

Next, brown 1lb of ground beef. While browning, shake on Chili Powder, enough to cover the meat, and ground cumin, about the same. That way, the flavor gets in the beef and stays with it.

Drain the beef. Put it in a big stock pot (or you could use a crock pot) and to it, add:

2 cans red kidney beans

1 bottle of tomato juice

1 small can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 can cream of celery soup

cumin

chili powder

I like to mix everything and then add the cumin and chili powder...about 5 shakes of cumin, 10 shakes of chili powder. You can always add more later, or less in the begining, depending on how you like it.

Bring it to a slight boil, then reduce and simmer on low, stirring occasionally for 6-8 hours...like I said, the longer the better. Some people like to add peppers, corn, onions, celery, whatever. I like it just meat and beans. Simple.

And oh so good served with warm corn bread. Just be careful...little ones will want some too!