Death by chili

I'm working on a cookbook for young, single men. The idea is to help men learn some skills so: a) the don't have to starve; b) the can save some money by cooking something that should produce leftovers; and c) show them they can cook something that doesn't come entirely out of can. My wife would probably add: d) so they don't rely on their (future) wives for every meal.

The following recipe is one of my favorites that came out of a lot of experimentation. Get your crockpots going and try this out! I tried to think of a theology-related name for all the God Bloggers out there, but it was going to be a stretch to call it "Chili con Calvin" and "Dante's Inferno" sounds too dang Catholic. If Phillip Johnson keeps firing away on his blog with both barrels, I may add a few more jalapenos to the recipe and call it PyroManiac. I am pretty sure, however, Jesus could have used this recipe during His time in ministry, because it can definitely feed a multitude. If only He had a crockpot ...

Death by Chili

2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1 - 25 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1 - 6 oz. can of tomato paste
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
1 - 30 oz. can of pinto beans
1/2 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
2 chiles of your choice
1/8 cup chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1 heaping teaspoon dried cilantro.

Brown hamburger. While ground beef is browning, start putting remaining ingredients into a family-sized crock pot. Put in the hamburger and slow-cook ingredients for about four hours.

This is called "death by chili," because you'll find yourself sampling so much after 2 hours in the pot, you will have eaten more than enough servings for several people. It makes about a gallon of chili without massive sampling. Good for meals throughout the week!

(For the health conscious, try ground turkey)