Recipe: Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Having been born and raised in Cincinnati, although now living in Virginia, I love Cincinnati Chili! My brother sends the Cincinnati Chili mix to me every year in a Christmas package, so I always have some in the pantry. But just in case I run out, I saved this recipe from the Family Circle Microwave Cooking 1988 magazine. Have not tried it, but hope it comes close to the REAL THING!

2 lbs. ground beef
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 square (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder(according to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Dash ground cardamom
Dash ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup tomato puree
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Hot cooked spaghetti
Shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Place ground beef in microproof colander or steamer. Set in larger microproof dish. Cover with vented heavy-duty plastic wrap.

2. Microwave at High (100%) 7 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink; stir and break up beef after 3 1/2 minuts. Drain.

3. Place beef in 1 1/2 quart microproof dish. Add onions, garlic, chocolate, chili powder, cinnamon, crushed red pepper, cumin, allspice, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, salt and bay leaf. Stir to mix well.

4. Stir in water, tomato puree, bouillon and vinegar. Cover with plastic wrap.

5. Microwave at High 10 minutes, or until chili starts to boil. Stir well.

6. Reduce power to Medium (50%) and microwave, covered, 15 minutes, or until thick; stir midway through cooking time. Remove bay leaf.

7. To serve, spoon chili atop a bed of hot cooked spaghetti on an oval plate; top with shredded Cheddar cheese.

NOTE:
TWO WAY: Spaghetti topped with chili.
THREE WAY: Spaghetti topped with chili and grated cheddar cheese.
FOUR WAY: Spaghetti topped with chili, grated cheese and chopped onions.
FIVE WAY: Heat favorite kidney or chili beans separately, add to spaghetti
topped with chili, onions and grated cheese.
CONEYS: Hot dog on bun with mustard topped with chili, chopped onion and
grated cheese.