One Skillet Chili

Total preparation and cooking time: 20 minutes

2 pounds ground beef

1 medium onion

1 can red kidney beans

Chili powder, to taste

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato sauce

1 can tomato paste (optional)

Water

Brown ground beef in large skillet; drain excess fat. Meanwhile, dice onion in small pieces. Drain kidney beans and rinse. Add all remaining ingredients to skillet, including tomato paste, if desired. Fill tomato paste can with water and add. Simmer until onions are translucent.

Serve with crackers or hot buttered corn bread.

Makes 5 servings.

Hoppin' John

Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes

2 cups precooked beans (lima, pinto, navy)

2 cups cubed ham or smoked sausage

Water to cover

1 cup instant rice

Salt and pepper, to taste (depends on how spicy the sausage is)

Combine all ingredients in pot or deep pan, and cook until rice is fluffy and ready to eat.

Add salt and pepper as needed.

Maurice Paulk

Wood River