Election Day Chili Mac 'n Fixin's

If you were a follower back on 11/1/2010 you may remember I love to serve chili on election day and watch the election returns late into the night.  It has become a family tradition here!  I do vary the chili though, but chili it is!

Yes, I have voted.  I went this morning and Brian voted on the way to work.  We ALWAYS vote.  Then I make chili.

This year I am making chili mac (with macaroni)  which I do not often do.  Mostly because if we are expecting guests it makes it nice to have the noodles on the side as some prefer with and some prefer without.

Ingredients for Chili Mac:

1 pound ground chuck
1 pound ground turkey
1 large onion diced
3 cloves of garlic chopped
2 fresh jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped
1 large can tomatoes
1 can chili hot beans
1 can chili mild beans
1 1/2 C. ketchup
3 T. brown sugar
1 t. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 T. salt
1 t. black pepper
1/4 C. chili powder
1 t. cumin
2 T. vinegar from canned hot peppers
4 C. water
1 1/2 C. elbow spaghetti or broken spaghetti

Brown the meats with the onions and garlic.  Season with a bit of the salt and pepper.  Drain any excess grease.  Add everything except the spaghetti and bring to a boil.   Reduce the heat and simmer for as long as you like.  It just gets better.  Stir occasionally and use a heavy bottomed kettle  to keep from sticking.   Just before serving cook the spaghetti according to package directions and drain.  Stir into the chili,

At serving time serve pipping hot with crackers or corn chips.  Top with diced onions. diced fresh tomatoes, and shredded cheese.  Yield 6 quarts.

Regardless of who wins the election we enjoy our evening and I hope you will too!