PAT'S PITTSBURGH CHILI

Donated by "Patricia P. Jennings" scherz19@mail.idt.net

In a small amount of oil, saute until soft: 3 chopped onions 3 chopped green peppers 3 large cloves of garlic.

In another pan: Brown 1-2 pounds leanest ground beef. Drain fat (if any) from beef and add to the onions and peppers (or the other way around).

Add: 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes, 1 can tomato paste, 2 to 8 tablespoons chili powder,* 1 tablespoon sugar,a sprinkling each of salt, pepper, paprika, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon basil, pinch of cayenne or some hot chili sauce.

Simmer for at least a half hour, until good and thick and then add: 1 or 2 cans kidney beans.

Serve with chopped onions, shredded sharp cheddar and a hearty red wine. *You can always add more chili powder later, so start off easy. I use a mixture of hot and mild.