CALIFORNIA CHILI POWDER RECIPES

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan simmer the tomatoes, water, 1 large onion, celery, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper for 30 minutes covered and another 30 minutes uncovered. Set aside.
• In the meantime, in a large dutch oven over medium heat, saute the medium onion, green pepper, and garlic in the lard for 3-5 minutes. With a slotted spoon remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
• Add the meats to the dutch oven and brown over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes. Add more lard if necessary. Add the flour to the browned meats, stirring well. Simmer for 2 minutes.
• Return the vegetable mixture to the dutch oven with the meats. Add the chili powder, bay leaves, 1 tbsp salt, brown sugar, oregano, and vinegar. Add the tomato sauce. Stir. Cover and simmer over low heat for 2 hours. Add more water if necessary (It should be thick).
• Add the olives and cheese and simmer covered for an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove bay leaves.
• Serve in bowls with finely chopped onions and more cheese if desired.
• Good with a tossed salad and corn bread.

Steps:

• In a 1/3- to 1/2-c. tall, narrow clear jar, layer the following, contrasting light layers with dark: chili pwdr, cumin, cayenne, oregano, onion salt, and garlic pwdr. To use, shake jar or possibly stir spices till blended. Use to season cooked dry beans (home-cooked or possibly canned), soups, and stews; or possibly rub onto meats, seafood, or possibly poultry to pan-fry, roast, or possibly barbecue. This recipe yields about 7 Tbsp.. Comments: Layered in clear jars, this seasoning blend shows off the natural hues of its ingredients. Each layer, however, contributes its own personality to the mix. Tie on a tag or possibly glue on a label with suggestions for how to use the seasoning mix, as noted with the recipe. All the cook needs to do is give the bottle a shake or possibly stir. If you want to make larger amounts, simply multiply the ingredients. Yield: 7 Tbsp.