Cold Weather Political Stew

If you are on the East Coast, or even in the deep south, according to the weather man, and you have any kind of special election coming up, you might enjoy a cup of this when you get back from stumping. In California, you might enjoy a cup of this real recipe, actually called Political Chili Pot (Yum!), after a long day of precinct walking for Joan Buchanan or Susan Bonilla, two women vying for the State Senate seat left vacant by Mark DeSaulnier's election to Congress in November. (Oh, yes, there is one man, Steve Glazer, in this special March 17 primary. Oh did I mention that all three are Democrats? Redistricting!))

It does get cold after dark, even in the San Francisco Bay area.

It is February after all.

So have your non-walking volunteers, husbands or boyfriends, keep a pot of this on the stove for those post-walk debriefs back at campaign headquarters. Your tummy and your volunteers will thank you!

POLITICAL CHILI POT

1/3 c. vegetable oil 5 med. onions, sliced 3 lbs. ground beef 2 tbsp. chili powder 1 tbsp. salt 2 cans kidney beans 1 tsp. paprika 3/4 tsp. Tabasco powder 1/4 tsp. oregano 2 cans tomatoes 1 (16 oz.) can tomato paste Heat oil in 6-8 quart saucepan and add onion, cook until tender but not brown. Add ground beef, sprinkle with chili powder, salt, paprika, Tabasco powder, and oregano. Cook until meat is brown, breaking up with a fork. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Cover; simmer 45 minutes. Add kidney beans, simmer 15 minutes longer.