mom's famous (well sort of...)

i know we've already given you multiple meals in a bowl but i couldn't resist sharing another one. drum roll please - this is my mom's famous chili recipe. i guess it's really only famous in our family but it should be famous because it's that good! it's always better the next day if you can stand not eating the whole pot the night you make it and i never really measure the spices exactly so it tastes a little different each time. the recipe is slightly different from my mom's original and it changes depending on who i'm making it for - some people like more meat, some people like more beans, some people like ground turkey, some people like corn, etc. but whatever you add or take away, it always tastes fantastic. thanks mom!

Mom's Famous Chili

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

15 oz can chopped tomatoes

15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed

15 oz can black beans, rinsed

15 oz can corn, rinsed, or 2 cups frozen (optional)

2 tbs tomato paste

1 bay leaf

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbs red wine vinegar

1 tbs worcestershire sauce

1 beef bouillon cube

3 tbs brown sugar

2 tbs cocoa powder

1-3 tsp hot sauce (tabasco or tapatio)

In a large pot, cook beef until browned. Add onion and pepper and saute until soft. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 1 hour. Serve with optional sour cream and grated cheddar cheese.