The crockpot is an amazing device.  You dump a a bunch of random things in it, go to work, and 8 to 10 hours later, voila! a delicious meal that makes the house smell awesome and tastes like you worked on it all day.  This magical item has been a weekday staple of my meals around here not only because it’s easy, but because it usually makes enough food for two days.  There have only been two crockpot missteps since I began cooking for the family.  “Greek Stew” and what I affectionately like to call “Death Cabbage”.  This post however, is about neither of those interesting adventures; however, I’m sure you will hear about them eventually.

This post is dedicated to Chili and the “Great Carrot Debate”. 

Crockpot chili is a huge payoff.   Usually one of the things that you sacrifice with a crockpot is the range of things that you can make.  There is a type of crockpot dish, usually creamy something or other, served over rice or pasta.  It’s not like you can cook up a cheeseburger or fries in one.  (I’m sure somebody out there has figured it out, but not me quite yet.) I would say that Chili is probably the biggest hit around here.  I make it several ways, but as I said, Cropot chili has the biggest reward for the least amount of work.  Here is one of my favorite chili recipies.  But under no circumstance, do NOT add a carrot to your chilli, because no matter how much chilli powder, or super hot sauce you add, any chili with a carrot added will instantly be turned into stew.  Something I learned from my mom. following the “Great Carrot Debate” of ’08.

Here’s what you’ll need:
1 lb  lean ground beef
1 lb pork sausage
1 chopped onion, large
1 chopped green pepper
2 ribs chopped celery
15 oz can of dark red kidney beans
15 oz can of light red kidney beans
29 oz can of crushed tomatoes
6 oz can tomato paste
2 cloves of minced garlic
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp salt

Here’s What to Do:
1. Brown the hamburger and sausage in a skillet.  Drain the grease.
2. Throw it all in the crockpot.  One of my best christmas presents ever was this bad boy.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.