Chili.... Sunny.... warmer....

Don't let the long list of ingredients stop you from trying this wonderful winter meal, it cooks all day long in the crockpot, after the initial preparation! And is very forgiving, so you can adjust to your families' tastes!

1 T. oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup sweet peppers, I like a mix of bell's and bananas, chopped

2 large jalapeños, chopped fine

4 cloves garlic, crushed

2 lbs ground lean meat

1 T. garlic powder

1 T. chili powder

2 tsp. Smoked paprika

1 tsp crushed chili flakes (optional)

1 rounded tsp. Salt

1 T. jalapeño jelly (optional)

1 tsp liquid smoke

1 T. Worstershire sauce

1 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chili's (un-drained)

1 (15.5 oz) kidney beans (drained) OR chili beans (un-drained)

1 T. tomato paste

1 cup apple juice

In large pan sauté onion and peppers in oil about five minutes, add ground meat, cook until browned, drain any grease if needed, add crushed garlic and all seasonings cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes till garlic is fragrant. Add Jalapeño jelly if using, liquid smoke, Worstershire sauce, tomatoes, beans and tomato paste. Add apple juice and bring to a simmer.
Pour into a 4 quart crock-pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Serve with a warm pan of cornbread, crackers, or your favorite topping.

** Regular paprika can be used if you don't have smoked

**Amounts of peppers, garlic and chili powder can be adjusted to your personal taste, this is just the amounts we have settled on in our family

** Tastes equally good made with beef or venison or a mixture of both!