the ohio cozy.

Over the last month, the white stuff has reared its beautiful 
{albeit inconvenient} head more times than I choose to count. 

When I woke up to this scene today...

Hipstamatic Print by {av}

I decided to make the most of it--
and make some Cincinnati Chili, a favorite in our wee little loft.

PLEASE NOTE: Vegetarians, you should probably just continue to admire the snow...

Growing up in southern Indiana, I made visits across the border into Ohio a few times a year. I don't remember the first time I tried Cincinnati Chili, I only know I was in love from the beginning...because it came without beans. {Picky eater here--and I loathe beans}

Fast forward to my years in DC: I discovered that Hard Times Cafe carried the Cincinnati goodness I knew and loved. Besides the lack of beans, Cincinnati Chili is heavy on the spices but is typically a little "thinner" than other chili you may have tried in the past. If you're from the Ohio Valley, you also know it tastes phenomenal over any breed of noodles.

Hipstamatic Print by {av}
In the efforts to finish this post before I adventure into the snow, I didn't pull out all the spicy goodness which makes up my Cincinnati Chili. I just pulled out the biggies...and the chocolate, to reign you in...because, yes, there's chocolate in this chili--so who can argue?

Anywho, here's the recipe we use...with the adjustments we normally make:

Ingredients
1 med. white onion - chopped
6 cloves garlic - minced
2.5 lbs. ground beef {we often use ground turkey}
1 can (14oz.) low sodium beef broth
1 can (6oz.) tomato paste
1 can (8oz.) tomato sauce
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon {we typically double this}
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground tumeric
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cardamon
2 bay leaves (Turkish)
2 tsp. ground cumin {we also double this...up to you!}
6 tbsps. chili powder
2 tbsps. Worcestershire
a few shakes of hot pepper flakes**
4 cups water
Salt (to taste)

**{cv} has come to love this chili too. He's a fan of all things HOT and spicy. 
He doctors our pot of chili to his liking and I promptly get my sinuses cleared ;)


Directions
-bring water to a boil
-when just warm, start adding the beef {or turkey}
-crumble with your hands into a fine consistency as you add it to the pot
-bring this "meat soup" to a boil and then reduce heat to medium low

-add everything else to the pot--including the garlic, onions and all of the seasonings {typically I measure everything out in a smaller bowl while the "meat soup" comes to a boil}
-stir and then let simmer for three to four hours on medium low heat

-chili will thicken over the course of those hours...but a little extra time won't hurt it either {we often keep it on for five hours...and if you want a more graphic description of what to expect, click here...eeks!} 
-serve in a bowl or over cooked noodles
-many times, we top our chili with shredded parmesean....which equals HEAVEN on earth



Though I don't share recipes often {mostly because my husband is a better cook--I'm the baker!}, I thought I'd share this one with all of you because I know many of us will be affected by this snow and ice. I will admit that the first time you make this, there is a little bit of buy-in with all the spices. In my opinion, it's worth it. 


Do you have any chili favorites? How else do you stay cozy??

As a sidenote, I cannot thank you enough for your kind words and agreement on yesterday's post. Blogging truly is one of the best blessings I've received in the past few years :)

Stay cozy and safe, everyone! 
Much love, {av}


P.S. If you're homebound today, you could work on perfecting your Friday's Fancies 
to get an extra entry in the Minted giveaway....just a thought ;)

54 comments:

  1. i love a chili with a lot of beans - I don't need meat. But my husband dislikes beans and would rather have all meat. So we compromise with both but I am only allowed to have one type of bean.

    stop by and enter the giveaway: http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

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  2. this is my [new] favorite chili recipe.
    it has beans in it, but they're white, but i'm sure you can substitute with someeeething...

    http://wndrlust.blogspot.com/2011/01/me-white-chicken-chili.html

    Love this recipe though, it sounds awesome and I will have to try it!

    :)

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  3. I love chili in the winter. so warm and cozy...comfort food! i've never tried it without the beans, i may have to try this sometime, sounds so yummy! :)

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  4. oh my goodness. that looks delicious! i do believe it would be just as tasty on a hot summer day as a cold winter's one! it looks THAT fabulous! thank you for sharing and stay warrrrrm!

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  5. YES!!!! I'm from Cincinnati. :) Went to Skyline Chili last week, matter of fact. So glad you are representin'!

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  6. That sounds delish! Perfect for a snow day!

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  7. I'm definitely going to need this recipe once the blizzard hits Chicago! My dad makes the most awesome chili -- I have no idea what the recipe is like, but I make a point of watching his every move when he adds spices because I don't like it too hot. I guess I'm pretty fussy. :) I like pairing chili with cornbread. Hope you stay warm today (and the blizzard doesn't hit RI too hard)!

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  8. yum! i'll have to try this. chili was a staple during the winter months growing up, even though texas never got *that* cold. still reminds me of my dad :)

    xo.ashley

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  9. Sigh. I wish there was snow here and not rain! But you know, at least I survived Monday:)

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  10. YUUUUM! I so hope I win that minted giveaway btw! ;)

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  11. o! this sounds like skyline chili in cincinatti! my friend jen is from cinci and she introduced us to skyline. they sell chili in cans too and you can use it to make skyline dip:: cream cheese bottom, chili, shredded cheddar cheeses on the top and bake in the oven. HOLY calories but it is SO SO good. have a lovely day friend :) xoxo jcd

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  12. Chili is one of my go to meals and I have a little secret recipe for it too but I think I just might try yours tonight for dinner- perfect for a cold winter meal- stick to the ribs delicious!

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  13. I love vegetarian chillies, so yummy and good for you! How horrible is driving in Rhody today, don't leave your house! Happy February and thanks for sharing the recipe! :)

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  14. chocolate on the chili, did someone say heavenly? Sounds delicious. I hope you're staying warm :)

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  15. I'm making chili today too! No lie. I was going to make it yesterday but lost the chili powder in the move {or something, but it's gone!} So hubs picked it up last night. I have a recipe for chicken chili but today I'm trying out Pioneer Woman's simple chili recipe. This sounds delish, I'm gonna have to try it out. Hubs likes everything hot & spicy too! Have a great day and be careful out there! xoxo

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  16. yumm!! this looks soo good, especially for now when it's blizzarding outside!!!

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  17. Yummy! That sounds delicious! Hope y'all are staying warm!

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  18. I made turkey chili last night! I love how it can last all week...

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  19. Sounds YUMMY! Hubs & I both love love love chili ... I'll have to try this version! Though I may miss the beans! ;)

    Happy Feb! Can you believe it's already here?

    ~Lauren
    tickledonline.blogspot.com

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  20. I have a snow day today and I am planning on making some soup or chili this afternoon too! Thanks for popping by my blog.

    So this is actually really strange, because somehow I came across Kate Headley's blog a long time ago, and have adored her work. (dream wedding photographer for when I get married someday, but I live in KS, so that could be a prob…) Anyways, knew you looked familiar when I stopped at your blog, then I read on, and realized you were one of Kate's bride, and I had admired your photos and video months ago! You were a beautiful bride with an INCREDIBLE wedding- I called my mom and told her to grab the Southern Living Weddings mag today, and to look for your wedding in it!

    Can't wait to continue follow your blog! :)

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  21. mmm chili is our winter go to. I made vegetarian and meat chili..just depends on our mood. SO yummy. I just copied down your recipe and am gonna try it. I am always looking for new good chili recipes. xx

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  22. I have never heard of this but, I am SO excited to try it! Chocolate in chili, I am sold!

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  23. Mind sending some of that snow my way? It looks like it skipped right over Nevada.

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  24. woah, what a thing to wake up to! snow fall excess for real.

    love chili, especially the sinus clearing kind. will have to test this chocolate enhanced dish out. i can totally see it working though, i once had chocolate ice cream with hot spices and man was it ever good! ♥

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  25. I'm LOVING your blog! Especially your writing style! =) I think you have me hooked! <3 I'm totally following you!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  26. This seems delicious! I might have my dad try that. I love hot and spicy chilli! :)

    <3Chelsea Elizabeth
    http://www.organizedxxmess.blogspot.com

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  27. The hubs made us vegetarian chili last night that was so super delicious. He made more than necessary so I could have delicious lunches for the next few days. I'm a lucky one to have him around ;)

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  28. Yummm! The chili sounds delicious and I feel warmer after just reading this post!! We are down to the 20's today and just freezing. Haha. I don't know what I'd do if I was up there. Thanks for sharing this recipe! I hate beans in chili, too!!

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  29. haha! i'm a vegetarian and i hate beans so... SNOW! :)

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  30. As a vegetarian I skipped to the end but I did pause for a second at 'chocolate' just 'cause :)
    Blogging is such a blessing, I absolutely adore this community!!

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  31. This recipe looks so good! I will try it!

    (I'm a new reader by the way! I have been in a long distance relationship for 6.5 years, we moved together last summer and 6 months later, my bf found a new job 8 hours away... So, since November, we are back in the long distance thing! But not for long!)

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  32. Chocolate? In chili?! I'm stunned, and completely intrigued!

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  33. I loved Hard Time Cafe too + that is the chili that I always got! I loved it with saltines. Yum! Thanks for sharing this. I hope you stay warm and snuggled in.
    :) jeny

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  34. Nothing better than chili on a cold day!

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  35. wow love this post! sounds so yummmmy

    following your amazing blog, follow mine back if you like it?
    xx http://madelineweber.blogspot.com/

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  36. That chili sounds so good! It was be really nice in the cold right now!! Stay warm :)

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  37. That is quite a few ingredients. I don't think I could handle that. Anything over 5 ingredients, and I get jumpy.
    I might just print this out, show it to Mr. A, and demand him to cook it for me.
    I like that option better.

    http://glamkittenslitterbox.blogspot.com/

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  38. Ummm - chocolate in chili... does it get any better than that?? Chili is th perfect comfort food!

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  39. Hey sweet friend! Finally popping over! Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments you have left me! I'm so stoked that you and your love managed long distance! I'm not in a relationship, nor have I been. But for some reason I'm super pro- the distance! Congratulations!! Love the blog and can't wait read more!! Do you live in Cinci? xo

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  40. how delish! i actually made some chili today i may have to try your recipe sometime!



    stop by sometime<3
    http://passportglamour.blogspot.com

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  41. there is so much snow outside my window too!!! and this sounds sooooo good right now! :)

    thelibertybelleblog.blogspot.com

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  42. av I can't say I am a chili fan but chili that has chocolate in it, now this may be the key to my heart :) we are getting hit with so much snow right now it's actually quite beautiful looking out our apartment window. tomorrow I will surely be singing a different tune. have a great week gorgeous, stay warm love xo

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  43. This sounds really yummy! My area has been getting more ice than snow!

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  44. I am nowhere near a vegetarian and I love chili!! The spicier the better. Yum-my!

    xo,
    Carrie

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  45. Ohmygosh this sounds so yummy! I LOVE chili... LOVE! I am kinda wishing I'd bought stuff to make chili while stuck inside... *stomach growling* hah!

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  46. I want to be snowed in so I can make delicious chili and stay in my pjs all day!

    I'm hosting a giveaway this week so be sure to check it out!

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  47. I LOVE hipsomatic print (or however you spell it!) so much fun to play with! :)

    I only eat chili when it's prepared for me BUT I stay warm by being obsessed with Trader Joe's Creamy Tomato Soup! Yummmmmmy!

    http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

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  48. Ooh, I was looking for a new chili recipe for the superbowl, so i'll have to give this one a try!

    so glad i stumbled upon your blog today! your wedding was SO gorgeous!

    xo,
    joAnn

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  49. for some reason I have never warmed up to chili, I don't know what the deal is!

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  50. I am from Cincinnati as well.. I'm assuming when you refer to "Cincinnati-type chili" you are referring to Skyline. And YES it is the best thing to ever put in your mouth. My bf could live off of it solely. Like someone mentioned above you can buy Skyline chili in cans or in the frozen section. Also Skyline dip is delicious with chips :) Ahh now you all have me craving it..

    P.S. I love your blog. I've been dating my bf for a little over 1.5 years and although hes just over 2 hours away in Cincinnati while I am in Lexington (@UK) any type of distance is hard. I'm glad to know someone else has made it. Although I can't really complain.. ours isn't bad.

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  51. Mmm I love chili. I just printed this out! I think I may try to this tomorrow.

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  52. So many ingredients :o thank you for the recipe :) heading to a cozy winter
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