We were getting together with our close friends, the Tigner’s, and decided on an evening of Hot Dog binging. All of us love our “dogs, and at least annually we devote an evening of feasting on an assortment of skinny Nathan’s and big fat Ball Parks.
But no Hot Dog Feast is complete without the full gamut of condiments – cole slaw, spicy mustard, sweet, chopped onions, relish, possibly cheese and jalapenos, but especially chili.
Not chili in a can, but homemade. I happen to make really good chili – if I say so myself. My hometown hot dog connection, Jim’s Drive-In in Lewisburg, WV, served maybe the best hot dog chili in the universe and I have largely followed their recipe.
I decided to pick up my chili ingredients at Food Lion and I lucked out. I didn’t want to make chili for an army, which you have to do with a pound or more of ground beef, and I was delighted to see a smaller, half-pound package available at the friendly Food Lion.
What a great idea! Stores mostly sell ground beef in 1-pound packages or 2 or more pounds. What if you just want a half pound for a batch of chili or maybe a pound and a half for a meat loaf? Then go to Food Lion, one of few grocers to recognize that need.
My Half Pound Chili Recipe calls for – ta da – a half pound ground beef, 1 C chili sauce, ½ chopped sweet onion, S & P, and 1 t chili powder – plus a cup of two of water as needed.
First, brown the beef and pour off the grease. Next add a cup of water and cook down till the water is evaporated. Add the chili sauce, onions, S&P, chili powder and simmer until the chili is pasty, add more water and chili sauce if necessary. The longer you let it simmer the better it gets. It is great chili and makes for a perfect Hot Dog Feast.
