Chili Con Carni

I am not sure what the name of this means, but it sounds like a party to me. A large crock pot full of chili is a real crowd pleaser and is easy to put together. Use fresh ingredients, lean meat and plenty of veggies and beans. Top with raw onions and shredded cheese with a fresh bun on the side, and maybe even a salad. Enjoy!

There are a lot of personalized versions out there, and here is mine. (of course it changes each time I make it, but this is the base) My husband thinks chili should be HOT, but you can add what you like to suite your taste.

There aren't many rules with chili, it just has to taste good!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs lean ground meat (bison or beef)
• 1 large white onion
• 1/2 medium green pepper diced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can brown beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine or 1-2 tbsp vinegar (or even a dark beer!)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• pepper to taste

In a large pan, brown the lean ground meat until no longer pink. Add onion and saute until tender. Add rest of ingredients, stir and put in crock pot to cook slowly for 5-6 hours. Adjust seasoning if required.

Spice it up if you like!

Taste as you go - it would be a shame to waste the whole pot!