Joe's Chili

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 large onion, diced small

1/2 large green pepper, diced small

3 stalks celery, diced small

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans whole tomatoes (drained) (15.5 oz cans)

2 cans kidney beans (15.5 oz cans)

1/2 cup red wine

1 bay leaf

1 t. oregano

1 t. cumin

4 T chili powder (or to taste; this amount is very generous)

1/2 t. cayenne

1/2 t. basil

Brown meat in skillet. Drain off fat and remove meat from pan. Saute garlic and onion in same pan for a minute or two. Add meat back in pan. Add everything else and simmer together in large pot for a least 1 hour.

This recipe is very flexible - if you don't have (or like) celery, leave it out. Same with just about everything else. All that you really need is the beef, the beans, the tomatoes and whatever spices you like. It's also works well to reduce the proportion of meat and beans. Enjoy.