Capturing December: Day 11

{ A Recipe }

It's that time of year again!  The cold, dark, wintry nights just beg for some slow cooked comfort food!    And chili is one of the best!  Of course, we don't mind eating it year 'round even when it's hot!  And I've even heard recently, that many people eat it for Christmas because it's no-fuss and enables you to spend more time with family!  We also like to make it for Sunday dinner.  This slow cooker recipe is perfect for putting it in the crockpot on low, leaving for church, and then coming home to an instant yummy lunch!  But for whatever the occasion, I hope you find it delicious!

• Crystal's Chili

• 
  

  1 lb. ground beef (the more lean, the better)

  1 cup diced onion

  3 cups water

  3 beef bouillon cubes

  * Boil the above ingredients together until the meat is cooked through. Transfer to a crockpot, then add:
  
  1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans (optional)
  1 can (8 oz.) of your favorite salsa
  24 oz. of tomato sauce
  2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
  1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  
  Next add these spices:
  (which could also be made up into packets to always keep on hand)
  
  3 Tbsp. brown sugar

  3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

  2 tsp. cornstarch

  1 tsp. garlic powder

  1 tsp. cinnamon

  1/2 tsp. ground cumin

  1/2 tsp. salt

  1/2 tsp. ground pepper

  1/4 tsp. ground cloves

  
  

  * Mix all ingredients well in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hrs. Top with shredded cheese and/or sour cream along with some oyster crackers. A side of garlic toast made from french bread goes great with this dish too! Enjoy!