Far-From-Texas Harvest Chili

1. 1

   Cook bacon until crisp, remove from skillet, break into pieces and reserve.

2. 2

   Put 2-4 T of the bacon drippings in a stockpot over medium heat and cook the meat, onions, bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, and chipotle peppers (or 1 7 oz.

3. 3

   can San Marcos chipotle salsa).

4. 4

   Crush the whole tomatoes with your fingers and add to the meat mixture.

5. 5

   Pour in all of the juice from the can.

6. 6

   Rinse and drain black beans and kidney beans; add to pot.

7. 7

   Add chili beans with the gravy.

8. 8

   Add corn.

9. 9

   Bring to a boil, reduce heat.

10. 10

    Add the bacon.

11. 11

    Begin sprinkling in the chile de arbol, cinnamon and cumin slowly, a little at a time.

12. 12

    The cumin and cinnamon will accentuate each other, but too much of any one spice, especially cumin, will take over all of the other flavors.

13. 13

    Season to taste with seasoning salt and black pepper.

14. 14

    Let this simmer for at least three hours.

15. 15

    To thicken, cock the lid sideways and let it cook that way for a while.

16. 16

    Right before serving, stir in a couple of pinches of dark brown sugar (not too much!

17. 17

    It's a secret).

18. 18

    The right thickness can be tested by standing a spoon up in the pot.

19. 19

    If it falls over slowly, the chili has attained the perfect thickness.

20. 20

    *All measurements are estimations.

21. 21

    I add spices slowly and use my sense of smell to determine whether or not I need to add more.

22. 22

    This way, it's next to impossible to ruin it.

23. 23

    When in doubt, taste it.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.