Making the chili

Almost every October, my mom makes a huge batch of chili. From scratch. Dried beans, chopping onions, the whole nine years (which is a reference to Scottish kilts, just in case you care to know or even if you didn't). This year, I knew she and Dad were going to be out of town for Halloween, so there might not be any chili. I asked if I could come over to make it with her. I had a couple of days off from work, so I hauled out the 25-lbs bag of pinto beans that Pyscho Exercise Sis and Mr. Doctor Man gave us for Christmas last year and headed over.

Day #1

After a couple of hours of fun shopping for meat and peppers, we headed back to the parents' abode. Mom and I picked through the beans, selecting only those that would make the best chili. Actually, it's not that scientific. You look them over a little at a time in your hand, pick out the obviously bad ones, don't include any dirt or rocks, and that's about it. Then we put them in two pots, added water, and left them to soak overnight.

Day #2

You have to cook the beans for 3 hours after they've soaked, so I told Mom to call me once they'd been cooking for an hour so that I could get there in time to help chop the veggies and cook the meat. Mr. Perfect had requested green peppers in the chili, something we hadn't tried before. With all the peppers, onions, and tomatoes chopped, I started cooking the meat. Next, we added the onions to the meat. Then everything goes into the beans, and that cooks for another hour. I took the opportunity to vote early.

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with the chili. The green peppers add a little freshness. It might be the best batch EVER!

Finished!