Aunt Ednas Chili Recipes

EDNA JONES'S MEAT AND BEAN CHILI

Steps:

• Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot. Get two big yellow onions that could make the neighborhood cry. Quarter the onions and then slice them about 1/3 of an inch thick. (I like the onion pieces big so that they don't disappear in the chili.) When the meat is mostly browned, add the onions and cook until the meat is browned and the onions start to soften.
• Drain the liquid from all of the beans and add them in. Add crushed tomato, tomato paste and spices. Simmer on low (covered) for about an hour, stirring frequently. Uncover the chili and taste for seasoning. Add cayenne pepper and Durkee Red Hot sauce to taste. Cook uncovered for another hour until it starts to thicken. Don't forget to stir frequently.
• Serve in generous bowls with shredded cheddar on top and an ice-cold beer on the side.

AUNT EDNA'S CHILI

Steps:

• 1. In a skillet cook hamburger until browned. Drain off any grease.
• 2. Cut up onion and green pepper.
• 3. Put kidney beans, tomatoes and sauce in a big pot.
• 4. Add onion salt, garlic powder, chili powder and crushed red pepper.
• 5. Then add the hamburger, onion and green pepper mixture to the big pot.
• 6. Cook until done. I usually put it on medium heat and let the flavors mix together for about an hour. Be sure to stir or it will burn. You can also make this up the night before and put in a crockpot the next day and it will be ready for your evening meal. Goes great with corn bread and honey.

AUNT EDNA'S SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream sugar and shortening together.
• Add salt and eggs and mix well.
• Add vanilla and mix well.
• Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and sour cream and mix well.
• Roll the dough out to 1/4" to 3/8" thick, and cut cookies out in whatever shape you wish. Transfer cookies to a cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with sugar. Cool on a wire rack.

AUNT EDNA'S DILL PICKLES

Steps:

• How many cucumbers? Who knows. Obviously lots.
• Wash cukes and rub off spines.
• Arrange in sterilized jars, add dill, garlic, and a few sliced carrots, if using.
• Bring water, vinegar, salt, and sugar to a boil and pour into jars.
• Seal jars (by hand) then immerse jars in hot water bath for a few minutes to seal.

AUNT DIDI'S CARNE GUISADA

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned in spots but still a little red in the middle, about 5 minutes.
• Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and stir to combine. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Stir in the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, and warm tortillas.
• From Aunt Elsa's Kitchen
• For a thicker gravy, after cooking use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat and vegetables to a serving bowl. Combine 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup water and stir until smooth. Whisk this slurry into the gravy and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Pour the gravy over the meat and serve.