Chili Chili

I know Spring is "in the air" but I am from Northern Alberta people.....Spring isn't really official around here.  We wear our splash pants, rubber boots and our winter coats in the time frame that other parts of the country get SPRING!  I would love to make a salmon salad with lemon risotto and eat strawberry tarts.  (hmm....maybe I should....sounds good)  but on the weekends when I am not entertaining I like to keep my cooking simple and relaxed.  And as I look at the overcast skies above and feel the chill in the air I immediately think of comfort foods like soups, stews, and chilies.  Upon looking at my freezer it becomes apparent that I need to use some of my hamburger.....chili it is!

Now there is a little joke in my family about my thoughts on chili.  I tease others about making chili that has no chili powder in it thus not making it chili.....Chili NO Chili.  Alas, my own joke has kicked me in the butt as I have come to adore a Chili No Chili recipe of my own....my Tuscan chili ( previously blogged about).  So when I make chili I get asked, "Are you making Chili Chili.....or Chili NO Chili?"   Today it is Chili Chili!

The exciting thing about today's post is that I am using my new camera to document my recipe.  I know EVERYONE has their mom's chili recipe already but I thought this might be an easy recipe to practice my food photography on.  Let me know what you think!

 The Grocery List:  Brown Beans, Diced tomatoes, Tomato paste, kidney beans, mushrooms, lean burger, fine diced onion, celery, peppers, and then the Chili powder.

 brown your burger and add veggies.  Saute for a few minutes.

add your beans and mushrooms

add your tomatoes, chili powder ( I used about 1 Tbsp and a half) and the paste.

add a splash of vinegar....don't really know why, but rumour has it that this helps reduce the gas index that goes along with chili......

 Simmer for 20 - 30 minutes to meld the flavors and serve with baked potatoes, biscuits, cheese and sour cream.  YUM!