There are an infinite number of possibilities when it comes to making chili. Here's one more. This chili is quite mild, and has a rich, smoky flavor from the addition of the chipotle seasoning. I hope you enjoy it.

This recipe yields a rather large pot of chili. Unless you reduce the proportions, you will need a good-sized cooking pot. Better yet, use a Crock Pot_(TM) and let it stew all day. By dinner time, the aroma will have permeated your home to the point where you won't be able to resist diving in to a steaming bowl of "red." The last time I made this, I started the batch in the morning with the idea that we would have it for dinner. We ate it for lunch.

Meat: You can customize this to your dietary requirements or personal preferences. It can be just about anything you want, such as ground, cubed or shredded beef, ground pork, Andouille sausage, ground turkey, wild game, fresh roadkill, etc. For a vegetarian chili you can use a meat substitute, such as Morningstar Crumbles_(TM). Beans can be any kind you like -- pinto, black, navy, kidney, baked, etc. I like to use one can each of pinto and black beans. The chipotle powder is available in the spice sections of many grocers, or online. I found mine at a nearby Super Target. If you don't have it in powder form, you can always substitute with a tablespoon or two of a good chipotle sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef, browned
• 2 - 16 oz. cans of beans -- one pinto and one black
• 2 - 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1 qt. water
• 3 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. chipotle powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. ground oregano
• 1 tsp. salt
• OPTIONAL: 1 tbsp. corn starch or masa to make it thicker

Brown the meat in a skillet, and thoroughly drain. Browning is not necessary if using a meat substitute. Add the browned meat, beans, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Heat to a low simmer, and cover tightly. Stir occasionally. Ready to eat in about an hour. If using a Crock Pot_(TM), you can set it on low and let it stew all day. If you want hotter chili, you can add your favorite pepper sauce at your own peril.

Serves 6-10. Don't forget the crackers and shredded cheese. A cold beer would be nice too.