Chili Con Carne

(Chili with meat)

From the kitchen of: Joe Valencic

Ingredients:

2-3 T Bacon drippings or butter

1/2 C Chopped onion

2# Ground beef or ground turkey

1 28oz can diced tomatoes

1-2 15oz. can red kidney beans (drained)

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Fresh grind pepper (more to taste)

1/2 tsp Garlic powder

1 Bay leaf (toss before serving)

2 T Crushed red pepper

2 T Yellow mustard

1 T Brown sugar

2 tsp Chili powder (more or less to taste; start with 1 tsp.)

1 lg. Fire roasted red pepper - diced

Optional garnishes: Shredded Cheddar cheese; sour cream; saltine or oyster crackers; fresh bread & butter; crusty baguettes.

Directions:

In a 3qt or larger heavy bottom dutch oven, saute chopped onions until translucent. Add ground meat and stir frequently until all meat is browned. Season with salt, pepper and garlic while browning. Add remaining ingredients and adjust chili powder to taste. Cover and simmer for about one hour to meld flavors.

Serve with garnishes listed.

Cook's notes: I have substituted the kidney beans with cannellini beans (white kidney beans), pinto beans and garbanzo beans, or mix and match for different flavor.

I have also added chopped celery and carrots to this recipe.