Green Bean Chili

So here's the short of it,
Today I started thinking about Green Bean Chili and really missed Dad.


And here's the long

I have hardly been to the grocery store since May.  Liga has really stepped up to the plate and has been absolutely wonderful about doing our weekly shopping.  I've been to the store with her a couple of times, but even though my body was there, my mind wasn't completely there.  Although, sometimes I wonder if I don't usually just go on automatic pilot when I do go shopping.

Anyway, today I went with Liga - I should have stayed home, as our grocery bill has been much more reasonable when she goes and just does the list!  I always find things we "need" that aren't actually on the list.  I was looking for a small bag of frozen peas.  There I was looking in to the freezer section and I saw this bag of Kentucky Wonder green beans.  That's the green beans I prefer to use for making green bean chili - a recipe that Dad and his sisters re-created from a childhood memory.  It's become a favorite, and something that we enjoyed whether we made it here or Mom made it there.  Anyway, there I stood at the freezer section in the Bi-Lo thinking of green Bean Chili and Dad, and getting all misty eyed.  It just comes at the most unexpected times.  It takes my breath away. 

Gene's Green Bean Chili Recipe as cooked at our house. 

- One sweet yellow onion chopped and sauteed in oil until translucent.      

- One pound of ground beef, ground turkey, browned, or TVP or other such meat substitute.  
- One quart of home canned tomatoes (or the equivalent of store boughten tomatoes)
- One envelope of McCormick's Mild Chili Seasonng Mix
- Green beans of choice - frozen or home canned preferred as much as you want - I like it very beany and not so meaty.  Dad liked it really meaty.
- Super sweet corn
- Any thing else you want to put in (carrots are good)

- Saute the onions in a small amount of oil.                                   
- Brown the meat - if using meat or prepare the TVP          
- Mix the seasoning mix with about a cup of water and stir well               
- Put everything in a big pot except for the corn.
- Add water to cover all the veggies and meat
- Let simmer slowly for an hour or two. Add water if necessary
- About 15 minutes before serving add the corn.

Sprinkle with cheese if you wish. 

Serve with cornbread, or corn chips, or whatever you like with chili.

Each year at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church Chili Cook-off, Gene made his Green Bean Chili and entered it in the competition.  He never won, but it is an absolute favorite here on Tuxedo Circle.