I have never won a cooking contest. At least that is what my answer was until last Friday night. Every year for the past several years, I have been invited to a chili cook-off put on by my church (in three different states). My family has always liked my chili so I have been persuaded to contribute. Every year, we have a good time, and enjoy the food, company and games of the event but invariably someone else goes home with the prize. As you can guess, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the name of my chili “Freddy’s Favorite”, named in honor of Freddy Krueger, after all it was a Halloween party, called as the winner.

I had several people express disappointment that they did not get to try the chili as it was gone by the time the announcement was made. And a few others wanted to get the recipe. So here it is:

Freddy’s Favorite Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean hamburger

• 4 cans kidney beans (15.5 oz each)

• 2 cans diced tomatoes (28 oz each)

• 1 can diced green chili peppers (4 oz)

• 1 fresh green pepper (chopped)

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

You can substitute black beans for one or two cans of the kidney beans or even add one or two cans of beans (black or kidney) if desired.    If you are real crazy about spicy chili, you can always use more diced green chili peppers or even use a hotter pepper.

Method

1. Brown hamburger and drain. Put in large crock pot or slow cooker.

2. Add 4 cans of kidney beans (Do not drain), diced tomatoes, diced chili peppers, and green pepper.

3. Add seasonings to taste (measurements are approximate). Remember, chili powder does not release its full flavor (or heat) until it has had a chance to cook for a while. Cayenne however is instantaneous.

4. Cook on high for one hour and reduce temperature to low for 3 – 4 hours. Set temperature to high to heat immediately before serving. The trick is to let the chili cook for long enough to let the flavors blend well before serving.

5. Top with cheese (if desired). Serve with cornbread and/or crackers.

These are the basics to a chili that even if it doesn’t win you a contest, will win you compliments at the dinner table.

Enjoy.