Heidi's Famous Chili

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (don't drain)

• 2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans hot chili beans

• 1 (12 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (don't drain)

• 2 (1 ounce)  baking chocolate squares
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 small onion
• 1/2 lb macaroni noodles (optional)
• 1 cup water (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Brown ground beef in a little oil or water, add onions.

2. 2

   Add chili powder and RO-TEL diced tomatoes/chiles, stir and heat for several minutes.

3. 3

   Add HOT chili beans (I use Brooks' Hot Chili Beans but you can use whatever brand is available--if you aren't "into" hot, you can try any style of chili beans). I rinse the cans and add 1/2 a can (1/2 cup) of water per can of beans so there's extra water for noodles. If you're not using noodles, don't add the water.

4. 4

   After this mixture has heated, I add the 2 large cans of tomatoes, juice and all. Simmer. Add the 2 squares of baking chocolate--it adds an extra dimension to the flavor of the tomatoes.

5. 5

   When this is near-boiling, add noodles if you're going to. Simmer until these are done.

6. 6

   Taste-test--you can add more chili powder if you like it really spicy.

7. 7

   Remove from heat for 5-10 minutes and let rest. Stir once more before serving. It should have a nice, thick texture, not too runny. Makes 10 hearty servings, holds its flavor for leftovers.

8. 8

   Serve with cornbread muffins, mexican cheese or mild cheddar, sour cream, and oyster crackers.

9. 9

   Everytime I make this, I try to improve it. The recipe is a work in progress! Last night I added some garlic powder to the mix and it was quite good. I've added vermouth at times, tequila, beer (not so crazy about this), stewed whole tomatoes instead of diced (use 3 cans of whole tomatoes), and green peppers if they're available. It's all a matter of taste.

10. 10

    Enjoy!