Halloween Night Chili

As expected, Halloween night was a wet one.  The rain came just in time for the trick or treaters to hit the streets.

Only one of ours went out, the rest are too old for trick or treating.  But that didn't stop them from dressing up.  Halloween parties quickly take the place of collecting candy door to door.

I made a wicked batch of chili, roasted some pumpkin seeds, and ate an obscene amount of chocolate.

The next time you roast pumpkin seeds, add a splash of sriracha sauce to the oil and salt that you toss the seeds in.  Amazing!

And if you're looking for a good chili recipe, for Halloween night, or any other night, try this one.  It's got just the right mix of meat, beans, and spice.

Chili Con Carne

2 lbs extra lean ground beef

2 ribs celery, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 medium sized onions, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 large cans tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

2 cans red kidney beans, drained

2 cans mixed beans, drained

3 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp cumin

1 tbsp dried parsley

1 1/2 tsp oregano

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

a few dashes of Tabasco sauce

Scramble fry the beef, celery, pepper, and onions with one tablespoon of the chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are soft.  Add the garlic and stir to combine, remove from heat.   I read something once about layering flavours in dishes.  I think that's what I did here.  Spicing the meat separately adds an extra layer of flavour to the chili.

Are you laughing at me?  I really did read it somewhere.

Combine the remaining ingredients in either a large slow cooker or a large pot.  I prepared this in my slow cooker but it can simmer just as easily on the stove.  Add the beef mixture and stir well.  Simmer on the stove top for an hour, stirring occasionally, or cook 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker.

You can play it pretty loosey goosey with the spices.  I sometimes add more or less of the amounts listed.  Go with what you love and make it yours!

Thank you for featuring me!

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