My husband is always cold. Even in the summer when it is very hot, I have trouble keeping the air conditioning on. The thermostat is the one thing we just cannot agree on.

But chili, that keeps us all warm. This is the perfect time of year to have a big pot of chili cooking. It is a great dinner to have with all the football games coming up since when it is time to eat, all you need is a bowl and spoon. I think everyone has made it at least once in their life and many people have recipes they swear by. Richie's chili is wonderful. Over the years, he has tweaked it to perfection.

The first thing he does is put on a red shirt. Somehow, there always seems to be a splash of the red sauce. It is as simple as just opening all the cans, chopping a few fresh vegetables and browning the meat. Adding spices is where your personal taste is required. We put everything in the crock pot and cook it on low for about 3 hours, tasting and adjusting the spices if needed. When lifting the lid, be careful not to let all the condensation pour back into the pot. About one hour before we eat, we turn the crock pot to high and make sure it gets very hot. You can easily freeze any leftovers.

In my picture is my latest greatest tool for helping to brown and break up hamburger meat. In my recipe, I specify what products we use, but you could also adjust any of the ingredients. I think the secret for us is the 8 ounce can of hot tomato sauce. That blends some heat all through the chili. Chili powder gives flavor, but the real heat will come from hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

When we sit down to eat, cornbread is a great companion. I like to put some grated cheese and a dab of sour cream on top of my serving. Richie just puts more chili in his bowl! I have seen jalapenos, avocados and onions also offered as toppings. Anything you like will work just fine.

While Richie is eating his chili, he never seems to be chilly. We both are enjoying this great meal and not giving the thermostat even a thought.

Richie's Chili

1 pound ground beef, cooked and scrambled and well drained

½ cup chopped onions

¼ cup chopped green pepper

One 16 oz can tomatoes, drained – you may use stewed, cut up whole ones or diced

One 16 oz can kidney beans, dark red variety, drained and rinsed

One 30 oz can tomato sauce

One 7 oz can hot tomato sauce

One 16 oz can of chili with or without beans

3 Tbsp chili powder

½ tsp garlic powder

¾ tsp cumin

½ tsp Cholula® Hot Sauce

Combine all ingredients and cook for several hours at a very low temperature.

Makes about 7 cups

Susan Lang makes greeting cards which are for sale at Stephen's Hair & Boutique located at 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. #12 in the Bull Dog Shopping Center. Each card is different and has a message sure to make you laugh and some also come with recipe cards. While you are there, grab a new outfit for dinner!