Chili

• 1 tablespoon oil
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup chopped green pepper
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 package chili seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1-2 cans (14.5 ounces) diced or crushed tomatoes, do not drain
• 1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
• Grated sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chopped jalapeno for garnish

Grits

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1½ cups uncooked quick grits
• ½ stick butter, optional

Chili

1. Sauté onions and green peppers in oil over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes.
2. Add ground meat and cook until meat has browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add chili seasoning, salt, kidney beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Mix well.
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 20 minutes stirring often.
5. Serve chili in individual bowls over a spoonful of grits and top with grated sharp cheddar cheese and jalapeno.

Grits

1. Bring water, milk, and salt to a simmer. Using a whisk, stir in grits; reduce temperature to medium low.
2. Stirring often, cook on medium low heat about 10-15 minutes until grits have thickened.
3. Remove from heat, add butter and allow to melt. Stir before serving.

Notes

If grits are too thick, thin with milk or water. Use quick grits, do not use instant grits. For a lighter version: In place of whole milk or cream, use skim milk. Kathy's note: I simmered the grits longer to absorb the liquid. Also if you like a spicier chili add hot sauce, green chilis and tomatoes or more spices.

By Joy McCabe via KathyMillerTime