Dinner tonight, Jan 20, 2011. Norm's Chili

Norm's Chili 

1 lb hamburger 

1 lb. ground pork          OR 1 pkg chorizo, no pork

1 onion, finely chopped 

8 oz tomato sauce 

1 Tbs. sugar  OR  2 T. sugar

1 Tbs. chili powder  or to taste

1 ounce red wine vinegar 

1 C. picante sauce 

1 bay leaf 

1/2 to 1 tsp. salt 

1 T. paprika 

1 can red beans, not drained -Optionial See note following

1/2 tsp. pepper 

1/4 tsp. cumin 

1/4 tsp. cayenne 

1 bottle beer 

1-2 ounces cocoa powder 

dash or two Tabasco 

       Optional          1/4C ketchup

Saute meat, when almost done, add onions and garlic. When onions are tender, add rest or ingredients. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Remove lid and let cook down if necessary. Refrigerate overnight and remove fat and reheat. 

Note: if desired.... 

If cooked without beans, serve them and grated raw onion on the side as a garnish. 

For parties, I like to make a chili bar with chili, no beans and let people add any of the following.

Chili toppings

soda crackers,

corn chips 

thin sliced radishes

thinly sliced green onions 

sour cream 

diced fresh jalapeno 

green olives, halved 

chopped white onions,

small dice tomato 

fresh lime wedges 

grated cheddar cheese

salsas/pico de galo

grated monterey jack 

diced avocados

pinto beans 

shaker bottle of red pepper flakes

tosted baguette slices 

Tabasco sauce

cilantro leaves