Wendy's Chili

 Wendy's Chili

Ingredients

- **2 pounds** fresh ground beef

- **1 quart** tomato juice

- **1 (29-ounce)** can tomato purée

- **1 (15-ounce)** can red kidney beans, drained

- **1 (15-ounce)** can pinto beans, drained

- **1 medium-large** onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

- **1/2 cup** diced celery

- **1/4 cup** diced green bell pepper

- **1/4 cup** chili powder (use less for milder chili)

- **1 teaspoon** ground cumin (use more for real flavor)

- **1 1/2 teaspoons** garlic powder

- **1 teaspoon** salt

- **1/2 teaspoon** ground black pepper

- **1/2 teaspoon** dried oregano

- **1/2 teaspoon** sugar

- **1/8 teaspoon** cayenne pepper

### Directions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain off the fat.

2. Combine the beef with the remaining ingredients in a 6-quart pot.

3. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for **1 to 1 1/2 hours**, stirring every 15 minutes.

4. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for **3 to 4 hours**.

Enjoy your delicious chili! 🍲 

Pete's chili

 Pete's Chili

### Ingredients

- 1 onion, diced

- 3 bell peppers (red and orange), diced

- 1 lb ground beef

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 1 tbsp sugar

- ½ tsp cayenne pepper

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1½ tbsp chili powder

- 2 tsp cumin

- Water (as needed)

- 1 can red enchilada sauce

- 1 can red or black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can diced tomatoes

### Instructions

1. In a pot, soften the diced onion and bell peppers over medium heat.

2. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.

3. Stir in the following seasonings:

   - Salt and pepper to taste

   - Sugar

   - Cayenne pepper

   - Oregano

   - Garlic powder

   - Paprika

   - Chili powder

   - Cumin

4. Add enough water to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Stir in the red enchilada sauce, drained beans, and diced tomatoes.

6. Let the chili simmer, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld, about 20-30 minutes.

### Serving

Serve hot with cornbread. Enjoy!

Mexican Restaurant Cheese Dip

Mexican Restaurant Cheese Dip 

Ingredients

- 2 tsps onion powder

- 2 tsps garlic powder

- 2 tsps cumin

- 2 cans chopped green chilies

- 1 tbs butter or margarine

- 1/2 cup milk, or as needed

- 1 pound white American cheese, cubed

Instructions

Place cheese, milk, and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.

Cook until cheese has melted, stirring frequently.

Stir in green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Add more milk if dip is too thick.

Heat through and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

KFC Style Gravy

KFC Style Gravy

Ingredients

- 4 tbsp unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 cups chicken broth

- 1 cup beef broth

- 1/2 tsp onion powder

- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

- 1/4 tsp black pepper

- Salt to taste

Directions

1. Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Make the Roux

Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

3. Add Broths

Slowly add the chicken broth and beef broth to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Season the Gravy 

Add the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.

5. Simmer

Bring the gravy to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.