Unreal Chili recipe

I made it on Wednesday.....the best I've ever had. 

Buy a package of "Darn good Chili" and prepare as directions dictate.  Once it is assembled and simmering, add hot (or regular) chili powder and cumin to taste (I did about a 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of each.....add some and taste....you can always add more).  Add in a 1/4 or so teaspoon of ceyenne pepper (you can always add more).  And now for the kicker....add about a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon...yup, cinnamon.  It works awesome with the darn good chili spice profile and the heat that you added (and will be adding).  Let simmer covered per recipe.  You should get a hint of cinnamon when you sniff it, but it shouldn't overpower.

Now for the add-ins:  In a saute pan, brown 1-1.5 pounds of ground beef (you can use turkey as well).  Add in one medium chopped onion.  Saute until meat is brown and onions are translucent.  Add in 1 minced jalepeno (seeds removed) and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic.  Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add meat mixture to chili and simmer for 20-30 more minutes.  Adjust seasonings along the way.  Do NOT add salt...there is plenty in there.

You can adjust all these seasonings as well as the garlic and the jalepenos.  When I made it like this, it had a bite, but it wasn't what I consider hot (and I love hot food).  So jack it up if you like hot and tone it down if you don't.  But do NOT forget the cinnamon....that is the key.

Serve with cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions/chives. 

I made this Wednesday when I was home sick.  I sat down to eat lunch and I started talking to myself saying "this is so damn good, I can't believe it." 

My gal took some to work today and had 3 people come into her office while she was eating.  She told me every one of them said, "that smells awesome....what is it?"

I know everyone has their own recipe that they think is the greatest....chili is like that.  But if you don't make this, give consideration to adding some cinnamon to your recipe......you will not be disappointed.  It really helps tone down the sharp acids of the tomatos that some chilis have. 

Happy cooking.  I am off to make a little shepherd's pie.  Nothing better then a 6 pack of beer (who am I kidding....more like 12), a couple hours in the kitchen, and a game working in the background.