[Update: 11/1/2009: This post was transferred from my old TypePad blog to this blog. The graphics were lost in the process, but the recipe is awesome!]
Chili Everyone Will Love You For
Last night, I made Bubble and Squeak from Thanksgiving leftovers. My family appreciated the effort, but opted for the baked chicken my husband fixed as a backup plan. I was not offended, though I confess I am secretly a wannabe Food Network star. Here's how my Bubble & Squeak turned out.
Despite her lovely smile, my daughter, who usually eats just about anything, was not having it. Even my Twitter friends had an opinion. @naturaljeanie declared: “I'm agreeing with the kids on this one.” @brambleberry tried to be kind saying: “I think it looks yummy. Sort of like potato pancakes.” @gary_f said” “Not sure about your ingredients, but it looks good.” I love my fellow Twitterers. But I digress.
Today, I was determined to redeem myself. I try not to have to cook much on Mondays because it's a newsletter and radio show day. But I felt like I owed them one, especially after @naturaljeanie sided with them. So I put together a quick meal that I was confident would be delicious. I'm happy to say that this Redemption Chili fit the bill.
Redemption Chili
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large onion, diced
1/4 green pepper, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 1.25-ounce packet chili seasoning mix (I got mine free by combining coupons and BOGO)
2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce (I used basil, garlic, oregano flavor)
1 can 16-ounce can kidney beans, undrained
1 tablespoon dark molasses (a secret ingredient in a lot of stuff)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
1. In medium sized soup pot, warm olive oil. Add onion, pepper and celery and saute until vegetables are soft.
2. Add beef and cook through. I used a Pampered Chef Mix ‘N Chop to break up the meat. Carefully drain excess oil, then return to flame. Add seasoning mix. Stir to mix.
3. Reduce flame to low and add tomato sauce, beans and molasses. Stir well. Resist urge to taste. Cook for a few hours over a very low flame. Add brown sugar. Now taste. Because you can't help yourself. Serve with a tossed salad and crackers.
This is a picture of the soup pot after dinner tonight.
I swear, if they could have jumped in a licked it, they would have. Hallelujah! I have been redeemed. Redemption Chili is slap yourself good!
Question: Do you have an easy chili recipe? If so, please share.
