All-American Chili

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 cups finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 4 oz. can diced green chilis
2 T. chili powder
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. ground cumin
3 T. tomato paste
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
2 bay leaves
2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes with juice
2 15 oz. cans kidney beans, drained
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup water

DIRECTIONS
Brown ground beef in skillet adding onion, green bell pepper, and garlic halfway through cooking. When beef is completely browned, put in a large crock pot with all remaining ingredients. Cook on Hi or 4 hours or Low 8-9 hours. Before serving discard bay leaves. Ladle chili into individual bowls. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

This recipe can be made in a large stock pot on the stove top. After browning ground beef with onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, put in a large stock pot with all remaining ingredients and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Uncover and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaves and serve.

Kookaburra dipped licorice

I have a serious addiction to these. And that's all I have to say about that!

INGREDIENTS
Red Kookaburra licorice
White chocolate, for melting
Sprinkles, for garnishing

DIRECTIONS
1. Line baking sheets with wax paper.

2. Slowly melt white chocolate over low heat. (I usually melt mine in the microwave in 20-30 sec. intervals). 3. Dip licorice pieces into chocolate and set on baking sheet. Garnish with sprinkles. Cool until chocolate has dried.

Caramels

INGREDIENTS
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup light Karo syrup
1/2 cup butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla.

DIRECTIONS
Combine sugars, syrup, butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil and slowly add sweetened condensed milk; constantly stirring. Bring to a soft ball stage. Take pan off heat and add vanilla. Pour into a buttered 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Cool and cut.