Serendipity's Southern Chili

      Yield: 8 Servings

      4 T  butter

      1    onion,large,coarsely chopped

      4 lb beef,lean,hamburger grind

      8 T  red chile,hot,ground

      4 T  red chile,mild,ground

      3 T  cumin,ground

      3    garlic cloves,medium,crushed

      1 T  black pepper,freshly ground

      1 T  salt

      1 T  sugar

      1 cn tomatoes,whole(12oz ea)

      4 cn kidney beans,w/h2o(16oz ea)

1. Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the

onion and cook until it is translucent. 2. Combine the meat with the

ground chile, cumin, garlic, and pepper. Add this meat-and-spice

mixture to the pot. Break up any lumps with a fork and cook, stirring

occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned. 3. Stir in the

remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and

simmer, uncovered, for at least 4 hours but as many as 8 if possible.