Hello,

I LOVE, LOVE Chili. I am trying to come up with a chili recipe variation for it but being that I am not too creative I'm having a hard time. Today I was so tempted to stop at Wendy's and buy one of their chili's with cheese for lunch Has anyone tried a way to make the chili without the tomato sauce/paste? Of course no beans either I'd love to be able to eat that for lunch when I feel like having something hot for a change. TIA.

1) Render 1/2 pound of chopped bacon in heavy pot, when fat is rendered, remove rinds.
2) Add 6-12 cloves of chopped fresh garlic and chopped green peppers. (Plain Bell peppers or any ones you want)
3) Add 3 lbs. ground meat (I use 1 lb. of pork and 2 lbs. of beef). Brown.
4) Add 6 Tablespoons ground chili powder. (Not the powder mixed with oregano, onion powder and all that, pure chili powder. Mild peppers or Hot, your option...trust me, it tastes better.) 2 Tablespoons ground cumin. 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder. 1/2 Tablespoon Dutch Cocoa powder.(unsweetened of course!!!!) and 1 Tablespoon Ground black pepper.
5) Cook the spices and meat mixture for 10 minutes, stirring often.
6) Add 12 0z. to 24 oz...or more beef broth to deglaze pot depending on how "brothy" you like your chili.
7) Optional: Add 32 oz. can of crushed tomato (this adds carbs to the recipe, but not much, if you're sensitive, leave em out!!!)
8) Simmer on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours to let those flavors get yummy!
9) Add Salt and Pepper to taste and serve.

Top with Sour Cream, Cheese and jalapenos! Onions if you can stand the carbs.

Buffalo chilli is another great thing. If you like beans, black soy beans are low carb and tasty.