Chili

Our Christmas Eve tradition, this chili is warm and hearty.. the perfect cold winter night comfort food. Serve it up with some fresh bread and hot apple cider.

2 lbs ground beef
6 medium tomatoes, chopped (I use Romas)
1/2 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup red kidney beans
1 cup pinto beans
25 oz can tomato sauce
1/3 - 1/2 cup chili powder
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp oregano

Brown and drain the ground beef. I do this in my large stockpot to save on dishes. Add the chopped tomato, onion and garlic and let cook over medium to high heat until bubbly. Add beans, tomato sauce and spices. Use more chili powder if you like a hotter chili. I use about 1/3 cup and it has a nice kick at the end but doesn't clear your sinuses. Let simmer over low heat as long as you like; anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can also put it all in the crock pot and let it go all day.

Mmmmm... Makes me wish it were snowing.