Probably one of the most well known dishes in America.  Chili cook-off's happen continually around the country until the world championship takes place.  Over 100 hopeful chili experts compete for the yearly prize of $250 000.  Of course everyone has their own version of the ingredients and the methods used.  I recommend this dish for Aussies.  It is sold everywhere including supermarket sit-down areas.  Basically the recipe is as follows:

• Cut half an onion and a couple of pieces of garlic and a small red chili very finely (make sure you don't over do it)  and brown lightly in a little virgin olive oil.

• Add good quality lean mince (half a kilo) or finely cut up beef - brown lightly but not so much that the spices can't enter.  Make sure the pan is hot enough though or the meat will be tough

• Add your choice of spices - this is spread over 3 hours.  Fresh is best and if you used powdered spices, make sure they are not old.  e.g. cumin, curry powder, salt, pepper etc.

• Add 1 large can of diced peeled tomatoes

• Add 2 cans of Chillets (red beans, tomato paste - probably the closest in Australia is kidney beans)

• Cook on simmer for three hours adding different spices when you get the urge.

• Last year's winner of the $250 000 added the final spices just before judging took place.

• You can add any other ingredients you wish e.g. celery, grated carrot but these are only for the entrepreneurs and you may change the taste too much.

The final masterpiece is served in a large polystyrene cup.  Usually people break up a cracker biscuit roughly and sprinkle it over the top.  This recipe would be enough for about 8 cups, and of course you can freeze it and it's usually better the second time round after it matures.  Nothing like it on a cold day and the chili is sure to clear your sinus's

The first time I made chili Kate raved.  I didn't use the garlic, fresh chili or any spices.  I cooked the onion and meat for half an hour with the lid on and then the next half hour I just added half a jar of Marg's hot sauce. After that I added a cup of water as well as the other ingredients, but not carrots or celery.  I was quite pleased with my first effort and we froze the remainder of the chili.

Best of luck