Add everything in, "The Basics & Starters," section in a thick bottom pot and simmer until cooked, about an hour. This will actually create a tasty, basic chili recipe on its own without any additions. °Authors Note: Purchase brands like [best] Tabasco Chili Starter, Caroll & Shelbys Or Wick Foweler's Chili Starter Kits. You can add the Masa packets included in most brand boxed kits to thicken your chili but I personally wouldn't. It tends to leave a dusty aftertaste.
Before cooking, decide if you'd enjoy any one of the other items listed in the additional meats, spices or fresh ingredients sections and add them to your pot as well.
Authors Note: If you choose to add meat, fry the meat and drain it first before adding it to your chili. Fry and add meat at the beginning of your boil.
Authors Note: If you do decide on adding several other ingredients to your chili, you'll DEFINITELY need to add additional chili powder to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon to your simmer, mix, taste, then add additional chili powder 1 teaspoon at a time until you've reached an acceptable level. Do the same with your Baking Soda [only if your chili has a metallic aftertaste] but 1/4 teaspoon by 1/4 teaspoon.
