What's For Dinner Wednesday: Olga's Chili

-
In a recent post that included things I love about winter I mentioned my mom's chili.  The recipe card that she typed out neatly says "Olga's Chili" at the top.  Olga King was my mother's friend and wife to my Dad's boss when we lived in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, many moons ago.  Though I hardly remember her, I do remember her chili - the chili that is the standard against which all others are measured (and her lasagna recipe remains the best I've ever had).  

I'm thinking there's an inverse correlation between the cleanliness of recipe card and how good the recipe is.   

When I was an inexperienced cook, it always surprised me that there was cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in it.  Now that I'm older and wiser, it makes sense and I'm going to add some cocoa powder next time.  Not today thought, today I'm trying some Chorizo flavoured beef.  I'm thinking one change at a time.  OK, two - I decided to put it in the slow cooker this morning, even though Olga's is a stove top recipe.  I want to be hit by that spicy, savory fragrance this afternoon when I return from walking the dogs.

Olga's Chili

Slice 3 onions and cook in 3 Tbsp fat or shortening (I used 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil) and cook over medium heat until tender but not brown.  Remove and set aside. Saute 1 lb. of ground beef and brown evenly.  Into a medium sized saucepan pour 1 15 oz can of tomatoes, 1 6oz can of tomato paste, add meat and onions.  Blend 2 Tbsp of chili powder, 1tsp dry mustard 1 tsp minced garlic (I crushed 2 cloves of garlic in a press) 2 tsp salt, 1tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves, 2 small bay leaves with 1/4 cup of cold water.    Add to the meat mixture and stir until all ingredients are well mixed.  (I should note that I didn't add the chili powder today because of the chorizo flavoured beef.)

Cover tightly and simmer one hour, stirring occasionally. Add 2 cans of kidney beans (one drained, one undrained) and simmer 15 minutes longer.  Remove the bay leaves before serving.

P.S.  YUM!  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pearls of Wisdom

-
Image
On Tuesday, my daughter received her diploma from the University of British Columbia. On Wednesday I was moving documents to my new computer when I stumbled upon a verse I'd copied from a card my mom gave Nicole when she graduated from high school.  I thought I'd post it today along with some photos of my Mom.  Today, is the fourth anniversary of her passing. GRANDMA'S PEARLS OF WISDOM by Becky Netherland I've traveled paths you've yet to walk Learned lessons old and new And now this wisdom of my life I'm blessed to share with you. Let kindness spread like sunshine Embrace those who are sad Respect their dignity, give them joy And leave them feeling glad   Forgive those who might hurt you And though you have your pride Listen closely to their viewpoint Try to see the other side Walk softly when you're angry Try not to take offense Invoke your sense of humor Laughter's power is immense!   Express w...
Read more

My Favourite Childhood Christmas Book

-
Image
Every Christmas, for as long as I can remember my heart has been touched by  The Wonderful Window by Beth Vardon,  illustrated by Charlot Byj.    I believe it was written in the 50's and I would likely have received it for Christmas sometime in the 60's.  It's no longer in print so I hope I'm not violating any copyright laws by sharing it with you.    As soon as the patchwork was tacked into place The angel came in with a smile on his face. And both he and Katie got down on their knees, Praying: Lord, could you spare one small miracle -- please? That night, all the people who happened to pass  Saw a wonderful window of glistening glass! And the light from the candles was shining inside  On the angel and Katie -- both beaming with pride. (Just take a look now, while the happy choir sings...You'll see -- even Katie --- has almost got wings!)
Read more

Currying Flavour

-
Image
When I arrived home from grocery shopping on Tuesday I discovered my husband had already purchased a four litre jug of milk to replace the empty one I had spied on the counter that morning.  I bought one too.  We don't use a lot of cow's milk and a four litre jug will usually last us two weeks.  It's not that we don't like it, we just believe that milk is for baby cows, not people and use almond or soy milk (though someone  prefers cow milk in their cereal).  I've been on a kick to use up the extra milk for the past two days and tonight we are going to consume it in a flavourful curried cauliflower soup.   I used this recipe more or less.  The cauliflower was huge so I added a little more curry, used chicken flavoured vegetable broth and replaced the half & half with a cup of skim milk.  I also left some small chunks of cauliflower in the mix because I like a little texture in my creamed soups.  I also added a couple of hu...
Read more