Cincinnati Chili

Combine:      2 lbs. ground beef (don't brown first)
            2 chopped onions
            4 cups water
Simmer together for 30 minutes. (I stir with a fork to chop up meat.)

Add:      16 oz. tomato sauce           1/2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
      1/2 tsp. allspice           2 Tbsp. vinegar
      1/4 tsp. garlic powder           1 bay leaf
      4 Tbsp. chili powder           2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
      1 tsp. cumin                      2 tsp. cinnamon
      1/2 tsp. red pepper           1 1/2 tsp. salt
      1/4 tsp. cloves                 4 drops Tabasco sauce

Simmer uncovered for 2-3 hrs. until thickened.
Refrigerate overnight.  (At this point, I remove the hardened fat on
top...probably not a purist!)
Cook thin spaghetti as directed.  To serve, put spaghetti on each
plate.  Cover with heated Cincinnati chili.  Sprinkle with LOTS of
shredded cheddar cheese.  This forms a traditional "3 way".
If you want a "4 way," add a layer of hot beans under the cheese.
For a "5 way," add a layer of hot beans and fresh, chopped onions
under the cheese.  Serve with bowls of oyster crackers.

The author of the book has moved all over the place with her
family and includes this note:  "I couldn't share all our favorite
recipes with you without including the famous Cinicinnati-type chili. 
Everyone loves this and no one comes to Cincinnati without visiting
a popular Cincinnati chili parlor.  (Our kids could eat this several
times a week.  Even the grandbabies love it.)  It is not chili in the
traditional sense but a dish you'll serve over and over.  Don't be
overwhelmed at the list of spices.  They are common ones you
have on your shelf, and the dish is really simple to make."

It seems to me she knows what she's talking about!  I gave the
recipe to a friend who was a transplant to Cincinnati, but then had
to move to Michigan.  I know she uses it a lot so her family can get
their "fix".
     
One last note, because it does take a little time to assemble and
measure all the ingredients, I usually make a double batch and put
half into the freezer to have on hand, especially for when my kids
are in town.  Bon Apetit!

Peggy

("Everyone's a
Homemaker" by Beverly Nye)