Time: 1 hour (longer if you can slow cook)

Music Selection: Dwight Yoakam – Medley: Suspicious Minds/To Love Somebody

“Why Can’t You See What You’re Doin’ To Me?” – Oh Chili, what you do to me – the perfect comfort food, especially with biscuits or bannock! One rainy day in May, my hubby and I went to a late night (started near midnight) concert by Dwight Yoakam at the St. Albert Rainmaker Rodeo! We nearly froze as it was rainy and so cold…but in true Alberta-style, another friendly Albertan offered me her lovely shawl to wear during the concert. I took her name and went for lunch with her the next week… We are so nice here, but it is cold… Anyways, one good thing about cold weather – you need more chili and biscuits! so worth it.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced mushrooms

1 cup diced green pepper

1 can black beans or kidney beans (10 oz)

1 can favorite baked beans (we like pork/tomato sauce) – 10 oz

1 can tomato sauce – 14 oz

Jalapeno salt – to taste

Salt/pepper – to taste

¼ cup chili powder

1 Tbsp cumin

Toppings: grated cheddar or Monterey jack cheese; green onion; salsa; sour cream; fresh cilantro

Serve with: biscuits, buttered toast, tortilla chips, bannock or garlic toast

Directions

In large pot, fry beef. Add onions, mushrooms, garlic and green pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes. Add chili powder, jalapeno salt and cumin. Drain and add black beans. Add baked beans and tomato sauce. Bring to boil. If you have the time, add a cup of water and let slowly cook for another 2 hours to thicken. Serve in large bowls and top with grated cheese, sour cream, salsa, green onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings. Serve with biscuits, buttered toast, tortilla chips or garlic toast! If you are being adventurous – try it with bannock!