Foodie Friday, Hillary's Chili & Jalapeno Corn Bread

Alright, I'm coming out strong on my first Foodie Friday. This is a recipe that I've been making since the 7th grade. I think that was 1991 or '92. Over the years, and as my taste buds have grown, I've added more heat. I will put more mild options on the side for those of you who don't like your food super spicy!

Hillary's Chili:
1 24 oz. can of tomato sauce
1 14 oz. can of tomato sauce
2 14 oz. cans of dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
2 14 oz. cans of jalapeno stewed tomatoes (you can also use Mexican or green chili stewed for a more mild flavor)
1 lb. lean ground beef (you can sub turkey, but I think gb is best)
1 med-large yellow onion diced
1 med-large green pepper diced
2 tbsp. olive oil (I use EVOO)
1 package chili powder
hot sauce to taste

• In a large soup pot over med-high, put oil in the pot then add the onion and green pepper. Saute until soft, 7-10 minutes.
• Add ground beef and cook until the meat is fully cooked (at this point I like to add a little salt, pepper, a dash of hot sauce and a little of the chili powder I think it's important that the meat is well seasoned)
• Once meat is fully cooked, drain if necessary (many of the low fat meats cook off the little fat that is there and you don't need to drain)
• Put the meat back into the pot and add the rest of the ingredients
• Simmer for at least an hour & add chili powder and hot sauce to your taste

**serve with shredded cheese and sour cream is desired!

NOTE: Once everything is warm together on the stove, you can put the chili in a crock pot on warm and let it sit the entire day!

My take on Jalapeno Corn Bread (Muffins)

• 1 package of Jiffy Corn Bread Mix
• 1 egg
• 1 small can of creamed corn
• 2 tbsp. jalapenos from the jar chopped(plus a splash of the jalapeno juice)
• about 1/8 cup yellow onion chopped
• about 1/8 cup of shredded Mexican style cheese
• milk to add for consistency
• Follow the directions on the back of the package for cooking time (muffins)
• Add all ingredients into a large bowl and combined (the mix will be a bit lumpy, but add milk to make it the right consistency for you)
• Fill muffin tins about half way and cook according to the directions on the box. My gas oven normally takes about 15-17 minutes!
• Enjoy right out of the oven with a little butter or other buttery spread