Eds Chicago Cocoa Chili Recipes

COCOA CHILI

Steps:

• Cook beef, onion and garlic in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.
• Stir in remaining ingredients except beans, breaking up tomatoes. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in beans. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired thickness.

MY SPECIAL CHILI POWDER

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together.
• Store in an airtight container.

BEST CHILI EVER!

Steps:

• In a very large, deep pre-heated skillet, add olive oil, then add chopped onions and peppers. I also add a little bit of water to the pan (maybe tablespoon or two); cover and cook on medium-low heat, just until onions and peppers begin to sweat. Uncover and add ground beef, using spatula to break up chunks of meat. Cover and cook on low heat until meat is cooked through, about 20 minutes or so (I add a little water during the cooking process). While the meat is cooking, I add the chili powder. I start with 1 Tbsp., and add as I go.
• Once the meat is browned, add the tomato paste, stirring to incorporate completely (I also add more water at this point, enough to make it start looking like chili, a nice, thick chili). Cover and cook on lower heat (slow simmer) for 30 minutes.
• Add the 5 ingredients, stir to incorporate, cover and cook on low (at a slow simmer) for another 60 minutes.
• Add beans and green chiles (including the "juice"), stirring to incorporate. At this point, add more water if you need to do so. Cover and cook on low (slow simmer) for another 40 minutes.
• Total cooking time is about 2-1/2 to 3 hours on stovetop. I know this sounds like a long time, but it really needs that much time to simmer and let the flavors blend.
• Serve with chopped red onion, sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar, colby and/or Jack cheese(s).

CINNAMON CHOCOLATE CHILI

Steps:

• Brown ground beef, rinse, drain well add back to pan.
• Add the half can of tomato paste and a little bit of the water to help thin it out.
• Add chili, onion, garlic powders to taste, probably about a teaspoon of each and about a tablespoon of the cinnamon. salt and pepper to taste.
• Add about 3 or 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, I like it a little sweeter so use less if you don't.
• Add the dark chocolate and stir until it melts.
• Add more water to thin the chili, some will evaporate as it cooks.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
• Let simmer about 30 minutes to let the flavors mesh.
• Enjoy on a chili dog with cheese on top or by itself. It's delicious!