Mom's Chili

My mom, as most people's mom, makes the worlds greatest chili hands down.  This one is fantastic, especially when you need your sinus' cleared out from a bad cold & your soon to be sister in law (me) accidentally makes it with 3 Tbsp cayanne pepper instead of 3 Tbsp chili powder...oops!  The guys loved it, and my poor sister in law had such a bad cold that she couldn't tell except that it gave her temporary relief from the pressure!  I, on the other hand, TOTALLY knew as my mouth was on fire!  Len will never let me forget this when I mention making a batch up...sweet man!

3 onions, diced                                             3 Tbs chili powder
1/2 stick butter                                             1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 c olive oil                                               3/4 tsp oregano
2lbs ground beef                                          2 c tomato puree (big can)
2 tsp salt                                                      1 c tomato juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped                     2 lg cans kidney beans, drained (one light, one dark)

Saute onions in butter & oil till soft & translucent.
Add beef & brown quickly with onions.  Drain.
Add all remaining ingredients with the ground beef/onion mixture.
Set simmer very slowly for 2 hours
Add more tomato juice if it becomes too thick.
Serve with rice or crackers (rice will make it go a LOT further, it also helps to make it easier for the kids or those who don't like spicy so they can easily eat it)
We love to top ours with some freshly shredded cheddar sharp cheese!

This is known to get better with age, if you have any left overs...or if you need to take it to work, or a gathering, make up a day or two before & warm up in crockpot!

Sweet & Sour Meatball Sauce

I posted another sweet & sour meatballs recipe that is for a crockpot...this is similar but meant to be made on the stove.  I have no reason to believe that you could not also mix this & pour into a crockpot with a bag of frozen meatballs & let it cook on low all day too.  Both can be served over rice for a dinner, or stand alone for an appetizer.

1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 can pineapple chunks w/syrup
1/3 c vinegar
1 Tbs soy sauce
1 sm green pepper, diced

Combine the ingredients in a sauce pan over med-low heat until well blended, pour over frozen meatballs in a 13x9 & bake 40-45 minutes.
Remember to heat water for rice when you have 30 min. left on the meatballs, as it will take the rice 20-25 minutes to cook the rice.

serve as a dinner option with a tossed salad, greenbeans, peas or your favorite veggies.

Sweet & Sour Crockpot Meatballs

This particular recipe came from the world's most awesome neighbor!!!  Kris was infamous for making some really fantastic food that Len & I were priviledged to enjoy...this is a fantastic way to have dinner ready when you get home after a long day, by serving it over rice...otherwise, its a great dish to take to get togethers or family dinners where there is sure to be a hungry crowd.  We love to pair this up with Len's mom's crock pot Mac & Cheese...mmmmm

2 12oz jars chilli sauce
3/4s of a 12oz jar of cheap grape jelly
lg bag of frozen Italian meatballs

Combine in a crockpot & cook on low all day!
If you feel really daring, you can add a can of diced pineapple chunks!!