Smokey Apple Bacon Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb hickory smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 large sweet onions, Diced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, De-seeded, De-veined, Diced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 15 ounces red kidney beans, drained
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
• 15 ounces tomato paste (1 1/2 small cans)
• 3 medium cortland apples

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, fry Bacon until crispy over medium-high heat. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. 2

   Sautee onions and peppers in bacon grease. About 3-5 Minutes.

3. 3

   Add beef and cook until brown.

4. 4

   Add cider and one tablespoon liquid smoke. Bring to a boil.

5. 5

   Add cumin, bay leaf, salt, cayenne, garlic and chili powder and mix.

6. 6

   Add beans, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Simmer for about two and a half hours or until thickened.

7. 7

   Remove the core from the apples and cut into a medium to large dice.

8. 8

   Add bacon, apples, and the half teaspoon of Liquid Smoke and mix.

9. 9

   Serve Hot topped with Shredded Cheese.