Chili to change your life!

Well, ok, it may not change your life, but it is very good! I'd like to say this is my original idea, but its not. This comes from my father-in-law, and he makes it every year on Christmas day. Keep in mind, this is no low-fat type chili, but then again, no good food is low fat. Here is what you need:

4 15oz cans of any brand pork and beans

4-6 tablespoons of diced onions (depending on how much you like them)

1 1/2lbs lean ground hamburger

6-8 pieces of fried bacon (chopped)

1 large can tomato juice

4 tbsp chili powder (can use the real hot stuff, we use the regular kind)

2 tbsp of salt

Throw the pork and beans into a crock pot (I recommend removing them from the cans first) Saute the onions until golden brown, then add to crock pot (original recipie says this includes dumping the butter in from your saute, but health concious people may avoid this. Then again, health concious people will probably avoid this recipie all together) . Brown the beef in seperate pan, drain and add it, but do not overcook it as it will continue to cook in the crock pot.
One thing that makes this chili different is it uses tomato juice rather than tomato sauce. You can decide how much juice you want depending on your preference, but I add about 2/3rds of the can. Add the salt and let it cook on slow for 3 to 4 hours. You don't have to cook it that long, but I recommend it. It gives it the opportunity for all the flavors to mix well. Give it a taste test every 30 minutes or so and add salt or chili powder as desired.

Of course, as with most chili, this recipie is only perfected when topped with cheddar cheese and saltine crackers. It may sound odd compared to chili you are used to, but you will be pleasantly surprised!

If you try this out, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Or, feel free to share YOUR chili recipie. Make sure to check out Dan & Sheryls blog as well for thier favorite chili recipies (just try mine first).