When a night is chilly, especially with snow on the ground, taste buds yearn for a bowl of chili. There are many recipes for this spicy, hearty winter dish. My family has a long colorful history which I continue when the temperature falls below freezing and Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. I give credit to my Aunt Ruth who received a recipe from a friend in Jacksonville Florida after she had her first bowl of this warm, dish filled with good meat, vegetables, and magical spicy chili powder. When Aunt Ruth came home for a visit, she knew her loved ones would relish this new dish on the table. When the concoction was simmering on the stove in a large pot, the aroma was making everyone anxious for a bowl. Someone lifted the lid and said, “I have never seen Chili with potatoes but that makes it even heartier.” Aunt Ruth was a bit miffed that her dish was being questioned and replied, “It is right here on the recipe my friend gave me.” At the bottom of page under all other ingredients were the words…1 Large Pot. To follow the recipe, she peeled and chopped one large potato and add-ed to the large pot! Everyone at table had a good laugh and declared the potato made the Chili even better. Henceforth, the recipe for Chili passed on by my family, always includes 1 large potato. This is a chilly day in South Carolina, and my granddaughter just brought over a carton of her homemade Chili with plenty of potatoes included. Try it, and you who think Chili could not get any better are in for a treat. Write to Shirley at sptwiss@gmail.com.
