It is that time of year again! Yes, autumn is here and that means temperatures start to fall, the leaves turn red, and all kinds of delicious meals are prepared in the kitchen. This week Circleville, Ohio celebrates its 101st Pumpkin Show, the largest pumpkin show in the country, and to be in synch with it I will be posting throughout the rest of the month some pumpkin recipes I have been working on.
The first one brings two American favorites together, with a personal touch, of course. I am talking about chili, Texas’ official dish, and pumpkins. Pumpkin chili? If you have never tried it, you have missed out on a very delicious meal.

For this recipe you will need:

· 2 lbs ground beef
· 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
· 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
· 1 cup tomato juice
· ½ Abuelita chocolate bar
· 3 cloves garlic
· 1 chopped onion
· 2 cups pinto beans
· olive oil

Special chili mixture:

· 1 tbsp black pepper
· ½ tbsp cinnamon
· 1 tbsp oregano
· 2 tbsp salt
· 1 tbsp cumin
· 2 tbsp chili powder
· 2 tbsp ground paprika
· 2 tbsp ground chipotle pepper

Preparation:

1. In a large pot cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
2. When translucent, add ground beef and special chili mixture and cook until beef turns brown. It is important that the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
3. Add pumpkin puree, chocolate, crushed tomatoes and tomato juice. Stir and reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about one and a half hours.
4. Add pinto beans and simmer for about 20 more minutes.
5. Let it cool a little bit before serving.

About this recipe:

· In the picture, my chili was garnished with avocado, sour cream and fresh cilantro.
· It is important to let the chili simmer for at least 1 hour. That’s the secret for a good chili.
· You can increase or reduce the amount of spices, chili powder, paprika and chipotle pepper, for more or less hotness. You can even add a couple of jalapeno peppers for more spiciness.
· This recipe will make a thick chili. If you like your chili to be more soup-like, just add more tomato juice.
· Chili is one of those dishes that can be changed and altered to the cook’s likeness. There are thousands of recipes out there, but the best one is the one your family enjoys the most.

I will try to make pumpkin pancakes, that’s something that has been in my mind for a while. If I like the results, that’ll be the next pumpkin recipe I publish.

Enjoy your fall. Enjoy your pumpkins and buen provecho!