The Winners and Something You Should Try

Winners from the Pay it Forward contest:

Noelle and Laney!

I'll be contacting you soon...

I wanted to share this recipe because it has become a favorite meal and it's very easy. It's called Cincinnati Chili. Never heard of it? When Nate and I were dating, his family introduced me to it and I have to admit I was skeptical. It seemed kind of strange. But it grows on you, and I LOVE IT now. Just try it. It's also known as Skyline Chili, which is a restaurant chain based in Cincinnati. This particular recipe is from Nate's grandma's cookbook called The Best of Beverly.

Combine: 2 lb hamburger (don't brown it first)

2 chopped onions

1 qt water

Simmer together for 30 minutes. After this I like to put this mixture in the blender so there's no meat chunks.

Add: 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce

1/2 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp garlic powder

4 T chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp red pepper

1/4 tsp cloves

1/2 oz. unsweetened chocolate ( I use cocoa powder)

2 T vinegar

1 bay leaf

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp salt

4 drops Tabasco (I prefer to leave out)

Simmer uncovered 2-3 hours until thickened. To serve, put cooked, thin spaghetti on each plate, cover with chili, and sprinkle with LOTS and LOTS of cheddar cheese. Don't be deterred by the seemingly long list of ingredients. Once you have them on hand, this recipe is so easy. And it will make a lot...you can freeze some for later!