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As one thinks about the holiday we celebrate in the United States in rememberance of our independence, July 4, the day conjures up images of fireworks, parades, and wonderful family barbeques or even block parties in your neighborhood. You remember, those occasions where everyone on the block gets together, pushes together picnic tables, and everyone brings out their favorite summertime recipe to show off to one and all.

Those days seem like yesterday to me and as such, I keenly remember the dish that we would bring out most often. No it was not some tired green bean casserole or our special baked beans that I am so fond of. No we brought out something that I actually nicknamed for the 4th of July itself. Thats right ladies and gentlemen, we made one of those most American of dishes that we like to call "Firecracker Chili".

Now let me tell you, sparklers and bottle rockets were not the only things on this day that would cause things to get hot. We used to love watching people come back and get second and third bowls of this fiery treat, then watch as they ran to get a can of their favorite soft drink or adult beverage to cool of with. With all that being said, let us check out the ingredients that make up this chest warming delicacy:

3 pounds of hamburger meat (for big gatherings, increase the meat)

3 cans of Pinto Beans with juice (We every once in awhile substitute red kidney beans in as well)

6 cans of Tomato Sauce (the lil 8 oz variety)

3 packs of McCormick Chili Mix

2 jalapeno peppers (chopped up)

2 banana peppers (chopped up)

2 to 3 shakes Chili Powder

2 cloves garlic (chopped and crushed)

2 to 3 cans of water (as needed)

Ok now that we have all the ingredients down, lets see how we put this together.

First you want to brown the hamburger. Once it is browned, make sure to drain it to get all of the water and such out of it. Now take your chili mix and add it to the hamburger, making sure to mix it in well.

Transfer all this into a large pot. We usually used a big stock pot as we made rather large batches of this. Once in the pot, add in the 6 cans of tomato sauce. Now add in the 3 cans of pinto beans.

Ah, now the important part. Add in the chopped jalapenos, banana peppers, 2 cloves crushed garlic, and the 3 shakes of the chili powder. Finally add the water to which point it makes the chili not stick, while keeping its juicy appearance.

Now give this time on the burner on a low setting to get the ingredients all melded just right. We usually let it a simmer at least 2 to 3 hours to extract all the flavors.

Well, now your ready to fill up a cooler with sodas and beer, and enjoy the fireworks that will take place in both your mouth, as well as your stomach. Bon Appetit!

I have posted this recipe on other sites under my name.

Learn more about this author, John Atchison.
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