Licking River Chili 6 pounds coarsely ground beef or finely ground venison (chili-grind) 1 ½ large chopped onion fine 2 ½ cloves garlic, minced 1 ¼ teaspoon dried oregano 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cumin 6 teaspoons chili powder, 8 or 9 if you like it hot 2 (16-ounce) cans tomatoes Salt to taste 2 ½ cups hot water 1 whole Hershey bar for color and Dixie Chili style taste. (Dixie Chili is a local chili company in N. Kentucky and chocolate is one of the ingredients in their secret recipe.) In a large frying pan, brown meat with onion and garlic until meat is lightly browned; transfer ingredients to a large kettle cast-iron Dutch oven. (The above step is very important) Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, tomatoes, salt, and hot water. Bring just to a boil; lower heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally for approximately 11/2 to 2 hours. Remove from heat. Skim off grease if using beef and serve. Serves 16 to 18. Enjoy!
