Deer Chili

Always a disclaimer first when dealing with cooking: I'm no expert! 

That having been said, there is one other thing. To all of my friends who are gifted cooks and who enjoy making most things from scratch: STOP! Do not read this post. You will be horrified because there are many canned goods involved.  :)

My husband and children have been busy during this deer season. The result? My freezer contains the remains of many deer. I don't like deer. I try not to think about them in their little white packages on the shelves of my freezer. It is all in my head, I know, but I have found no remedy. So my challenge is: what to do with all that venison? The answer? Lots of deer chili.


This recipe is from the father of a friend of my older kids. And it is delicious! Even if it contains deer! And it is easy!! Even for a busy day! I love to start it at lunch and let it sit in the crock pot all afternoon. Add some grated Monterrey Jack cheese, maybe a dollop of sour cream and dig in! We like to fix a big batch of cornbread to go with it.

As usual, I double the recipe to feed the horde or I guess I should say swarm since we are talking about the Antbed. 

Here goes:

Brown 1 1/2 lbs of ground venison, elk, beef, then drain. (You can use half pork, if you like, or you can use a round steak. If you go for the steak, sear it in an iron skillet and then cook it in a crock pot overnight, leaving out the beef broth.)

I just dump each additional ingredient in the crock pot.  Told you it was easy.

This is the picture I didn't want my friends who "really" cook to see! :)

Add:
1 chopped onion (or not--my husband doesn't much care for onions)
3 chopped cloves of garlic
2-14 1/2 oz cans of crushed tomatoes in thick puree
1-14 1/2 oz can Rotel tomatoes
1 can kidney beans (after draining and rinsing)
2 cans pinto beans (after draining and rinsing)
1 can beef broth (skim first)
1/4 tsp. salt
3-4 tsp cumin (that is not a misprint)
2 tsp coriander
1-2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 can of chopped green chilis 


Simmer

That's it! And my family loves it!!


For extra heat, add:
Jalapenos (the sliced ones in a jar), including some of the juice
Cayenne powder
Continue to simmer.

Eat!