Best. Chili. Ever!

I can't take credit for this recipe. It came my way via Ashley, who's new in-laws make some great chili. When I decided to make it for Dusty's birthday, though (27! We're both in our "late 20's"- AHH!), I decided to change up a few things. So this is what I wound up with:

1 lb. low sodium bacon, baked and chopped

2 Tbsp. bacon grease

1 leek, chopped

4 cloves garlic

1 lb. stew beef (or chicken), cubed

2 lb. ground turkey

salt, pepper or Lowry's seasoning salt to taste

2 cans chili beans in chili sauce

2 cans low sodium, fat free black beans

1 can red kidney beans

1 can pinto beans

5 cans italian stewed tomatoes- 3 pureed, 2 as is

1 tsp. sugar

1-2 tsp. chili powder

1-2 tsp. ground cumin

1 cup beef broth

1 cup hot water

hot sauce, to taste (I only used 4-5 drops)

Serving suggestion:

1/2 cup cheddar, shredded

2 oz. gruyere cheese, shredded

Creme fraiche

Sear stew meat at high heat in skillet for 2-3 minutes per side with a small amount of olive oil; set aside. Brown ground beef in stew pot with a small portion of the leek and 1 clove garlic. Drain fat. Add in remaining garlic an leek, cook 2-3 minutes at medium high heat. Add in stew meat, salt, pepper, and seasoning salt. Cook until stew meat it cooked through.

Drain all beans except chili beans. Pour chili beans, sauce included, into ground turkey mixture. Add tomatoes, bacon, bacon grease, sugar, chili powder, cumin, beef broth, water and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Turn down heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 hours.

Top with a mix of cheddar and gruyere cheese and a spoonful of creme fraiche.

Yummy, yummy, yummy! Not exactly healthy, but this stuff tastes fantastic!

Just a note: This makes a LOT of chili! It is great for a big group or party, or to freeze part of it. If you're making it with the intent of a small family dinner only, you can get away with halving the recipe!