Cincinnati Style Chili

If you know Mike and I, you know we love all things Cincinnati.  Reds, Bengals, Graeters, Skyline, 700WLW.....  We have been making "Skyline" chili at home for a couple years.  Did you know you can buy a seasoning packet for Cincinnati Style chili at your local grocery?  (well at least in the Cincy-Dayton area).  Find it with the paper packets of chili seasoning, gravy, etc.  Making this chili at home allows you to use all-natural lean ground beef (we use Laura's Lean Beef) and the pasta of your choosing (whole wheat, gluten-free).  If you don't eat beef, I would recommend trying bison.  A dark ground turkey might work.  If you try either bison or turkey, let us know what you think.  Since no trip to Skyline is complete for Mike without two cheese coneys, we make our own with nitrate free hotdogs.

Ingredients: 

1 package Cincinnati Recipe Chili Mix
6 oz can tomato paste
1 lb lean ground beef
Mild cheddar cheese
Spaghetti noodles
Oyster crackers
Hot dogs and buns (optional)

Prepare chili according to packet.  Basically you mix seasoning, water and tomato paste, then add raw meat and break up with a fork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 -1.5 hours until desired thickness.  When almost ready to serve, boil your pasta and hot dogs (I do this in the same pot to save on dishes).  Top the pasta with chili, cheese and crackers.  Take a bite and remember all the reasons you love the City of Cincinnati.