Chili

We haven't had chili since last winter and Brian thought it sounded good too when we were talking Friday.  Funny thing about getting old....at least in my case.  I have known a lot of people and lived several places so in many cases I have several recipes for the same dish.  Like chili.


This one I don't make real often but it is really good.  It is an adaptation from a girl I worked with years and years ago and her husband competed in chili cook offs.  They made it and treated all of us at work once and I fell in love with their version.  There are a lot of levels of flavor.

2 pounds ground chuck
1 large diced onion
3 cloves diced garlic
salt
black pepper
Combine all of the above ingredients in a large heavy bottomed kettle and cook together until browned.

1 C. catsup
1 can of beer
1 can of chili hot beans
1 can of chili mild beans
1 large can or 2 small cans tomato sauce
6 T. Chili powder (mine are generous)
3 T. sugar
3 chili cans of water
1 t. cocoa powder
6 pepperochini whole or sliced
3 T.  pepperochini  brine
salt
pepper
Stir in these additional ingredients mixing well and simmer over lowest heat 2 hours.
You may add pasta or serve as it is with or without cheese and crackers.