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We’ve experimented with this Chili recipe over the years. This is the version we really enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of Butter or Olive Oil
• 12 slices Bacon, cooked to medium
• 1/2 Red Onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, chopped or pressed
• 1.5 pounds Hamburger (90-95% lean)
• 1 large can Kidney Beans
• 1.5 large cans Crushed Stewed Tomatoes
• 1 small can Tomato Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seed
• 5 teaspoons Chili Powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Crushed Red Pepper (optional)

Directions

• In dutch oven, melt the Butter (or heat the Olive Oil)
• Sautee the Onion and Garlic
• Add the Hamburger and brown
• Stir in the Kidney Beans (undrained)
• Stir in the Stewed Tomatoes
• Stir in the Tomato Sauce
• Add the measured Spices
• Salt, Pepper and Thyme to taste
• (Optional) Add the Crushed Red Pepper

I generally go light on the hot spices for my wife’s sake, then add more “heat” to my own bowl.  The general concept is to major on the blend of flavors… not “Burn the throat past recognition”.

Bring to slow boil and reduce heat to low and simmer.

Stir periodically during the next 45 minutes to an hour, then serve hot.