Introduction: Deb's Cold Winter Day Chili

About: I am 51 and hail from sunny Southern California but originate from back east. I am a Web Designer by trade and own a small Web Design Service and a few online stores around the net and enjoy meeting folks o…

There is nothing better on a cold, snowy day than to come home to a piping hot bowl of fresh, hot chili to warm you up from the inside out.

In December we got a snowstorm in Southern California that could rival the best of the east coast storms and it made perfect weather to enjoy homemade Chili.

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Step 1: Ingredients

Oil
1 to 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
1 medium Bell Peppers, chopped
1 to 2 Celery Stalks, sliced thin
2 lbs. fresh Ground Beef or Chuck, coarse grind
1 lb roll of quality Ground Sausage
1 - 6 ounce can Tomato Paste
1 lb can Stewed Tomatoes, diced
1 - 16 ounce can Tomato Sauce
1 to 2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
1 - small can Ortega Chilies, undrained
1 Tbl Salt
Black or Red Pepper, to taste
1 Bay leaf (optional)
Chili Powder, strength to your liking and taste
1 large can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 large can Chili Beans, undrained
1 large or 2 small cans Pinto Beans, undrained
1 tsp Distilled White Vinegar

Serve on the side:

�he chopped onion
1 box Saltines or White or Yellow Corn Bread and soft Butter
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Crumble and fry sausage in a skillet, drain and set aside.

It is important to mention here for food safety you DO NOT want to cook raw pork and raw beef together in the same pan.

Step 3: Saute Onions, Celery and Bell Peppers

Brush bottom of a large heavy pot with oil.

Saut� the onions, bell pepper and celery for a few minutes until onion has turned almost clear.

Step 4: Add Ground Beef

Crumble and add ground beef and cook until meat is just browned. DO NOT drain.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients, Except ...

Add remaining ingredients except chili powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Cook

Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 1/2 hours, stirring often until mixture thickens.

Skim off fat with a lettuce leaf while cooking or refrigerate and lift off as a solid block.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Add Chili Powder to taste.

Serve with your choice of Crackers, Saltines, White or Yellow Corn Bread, soft butter, chopped onions and shredded cheddar on the side.

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