Who doesn't have a go-to family recipe? My grandmother moved to Boston from Texas nearly 60 years ago (that's her on the right in her infamous tangerine suit), but she never lost touch with her San Antonio roots.
As a result, I had a slightly different experience with comfort food than most New England kids because Grandma cooked like Paula Deen. (Paula Deen is, incidentally, the only woman who loves cooking with bacon fat more than my grandmother did.)
On a cold winter's day like today, I got to thinking about one of my favorite warm 'n' cozy dinners that Grandma used to make: her Tex-Mex chili. It was one of those recipes that was so simple, yet so delicious, that I could eat it any old time. I have the recipe and I hope to keep it going as a family favorite for generations to come.
So, I have to ask our readers: what are some of your favorite home-cooked meals? Let's hear about the dinners that will always be part of your repertoire!
{NOTE: the recipe that follows looks super dooper! But as @farminglassie wrote us on Twitter "What gives?/There's no cheese in this recipe-waaa! I would have to at least use your delish white cheddar on top of the chili" ... and we totally agree! Add some white cheddar on top to make this perfect!}
Maggie's Tex-Mex Chili
1 package dry Pinto beans, boiled about 45 minutes
2 Tbs bacon fat
1 lb ground beef
2 large onions diced finely
1 large can tomato puree or a large can of tomato sauce
4 cloves garlic, smashed and diced finely
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbs cumin
4 Tbs Gebhardt's Chili Powder (or regular chili powder)
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp red pepper flakes
Saute meat in bacon fat 'til red is gone. Add onions and garlic. Saute 'til meat is brown, and garlic & onion are soft.
Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, sugar, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper to taste. Stir 'til well mixed then add tomato sauce/puree. Cook slowly for 10-15 minutes. Add to beans and cook slowly for 1 hour, stirring now and then. Garnish with favorite cheese and eat when ready.
{And follow us on Twitter at @cabotcoop. Rumor has it that we'll be asking for some ideas from y'all!}
Rumor is right! We'll be featuring one fan recipe every month, so send us your best! Pictures are a plus, too, if you've got 'em. :)
Sounds fabulous! I love love love Cabot Cheese. Well, I should say we, because my whole family does. One of our favorite day trips is heading up to the VT Country Store to buy big wedges of fresh Cabot Cheese.
My most recent recipe using your cheese? Was delicious and totally comforting.
http://ellesnewenglandkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/01/experience-cheesy-goodness-that-is-mac.html