When you’re at the beach you don’t realize you’re hungry until you’ve stripped off your wet, sandy bathing suit, taken a shower and then sat down.

And then by that time, it’s too late . . . you’re RAVENOUS.

For us, the grumpies start to appear and nobody’s happy until they’ve eaten.

That’s why we like to cook in our little condo. I usually leave the beach early to get the meal rolling and then head off the “grumpies” before they appear.

See how that works?

This gorgeous photo is a steakburger meal we prepared one night. But it’s not just ANY steakburger. It’s got Vidalia (sweet) onions in the beef. And boy do they flavor that beef!

Some of us like to make them into cheese steakburgers (like the one above), but that night I preferred to make mine an onion steakburger with no bun marinaded in Teriyaki sauce. I’m crazy about the stuff. Those yummy onions mixed with the marinade brought out the amazing flavor of the burger. I just plain didn’t need a bun.

Everybody was happy because they got to make theirs however they wanted it.

And those grumpies I mentioned? They stayed far away that night. Well played, if I do say so myself.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . . so let’s do what we can to make our homes warm and cozy.

A big part of that is making great meals that fill our tummies and warm us up. This chili recipe is great to have on hand when you have lots of company at your house for days at a time. Whenever someone is hungry they can just heat themselves up a bowl, grab some crackers, grate some cheese on top and have at it!

Also, be on the lookout for some ingredients here you might not have thought of . . . they’re spectacular.

Vidalia Chili

(Serves eight)

1 lb. Vidalia Sweet Onion Ground Beef

3 Cloves Garlic, crushed

2 Jalapeno Peppers, seeded and chopped

1 large Can Crushed Tomatoes

2 oz. Mexican Chocolate (or 2 Tbsp. Baking Cocoa)

3 Tbsp. Chile Powder

2 Tbsp. Ground Cumin

1 Can Black Beans

1 Can Pinto Beans

1 Can Kidney Beans

Salt and Pepper to taste

Over medium heat, in a heavy bottomed pot, cook the ground beef until done and strain off grease.  Add jalapeno and garlic and cook for five minutes.  Add chocolate, cumin and chile powder and cook for five more minutes.  Add tomatoes and beans and cover with water, season with salt and pepper.  Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.  Cook for 1 hour, or until thickened.

I get my Vidalia Sweet Onion Ground Beef here.  It has amazing flavor and it gives this chili that extra taste that makes it special.

Enjoy!