Chili

A bowl of chili right off the stove on a cold day warms the soul.  There is nothing quite like coming home when it's cold out, opening the door and your cheeks are met with the warmth of the kitchen and fragrances that make you happy.  One such aroma is chili. 

• 2 T canola oil
• 1 1/2 onions, chopped
• 8 large cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 lbs. ground beef
• 4 T chili powder
• 1 T cumin
• 1 t oregano
• 1 t thyme
• 28 ozs. crushed tomatoes
• 15 ozs. beef broth
• 6 ozs. tomato paste
• 15 ozs. red kidney beans

Place oil in dutch oven over medium high heat.  Add onions and garlic and cook until onions become translucent.  Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking apart any chunks. Stir in spices, mixing well. Mix in tomatoes, broth and tomato paste.  Cook while stirring occasionally for about an hour.  Add beans, mix and continue to cook for ten minutes.  Serve hot.  (serve with toppings such as grated cheese, sour cream and warm crusty bread.  Yum!)