On a Cold Day {recipe}

I know I don't cook much and don't share recipes here, but when it is cold and gray or raining outside I like to make a big pot of chili. I have been making this recipe for years and  don't have to look at the written recipe anymore.

These are the ingredients I use plus three pounds of ground meat. I use a mix of ground round and lean ground beef and have used some ground pork mixed in before. Also used is two large onions and bell peppers. I am lazy and bought the ones already chopped.

I start out sauteing the onions and peppers until they are tender.

At the same time the peppers and onions are cooking I brown the meat and add the chili powder.

After the meat is browned then add the peppers and onions and mix.

Then you just add all the other ingredients.

Cover and turn down to low and let it simmer thirty minutes or more.

Enjoy plain or with the toppings of your choice.

The mister likes his with saltines which I can't eat anymore.

Chili recipe:

2 lg. bell peppers chopped

2 lg. onions chopped

3 lbs. ground beef

2 lg. cans tomatoes (whole or diced) I use whole and then cut them

1 med. size can tomato sauce (sorry don't have the can to look at)

1 small can tomato paste

2 cans of kidney beans any color

3 tbsp. chili powder or more if you like

1 or 2 bay leaves

olive oil for sauteing

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

salt and pepper to taste