Beans or No Beans in Your Chili Recipe
Chili with Beans? This is often a controversial topic. The mere thought of using beans in a chili dish brings up the ire of a lot of people. After all, chili is often referred to as Chili Con Carne (Chili with Meat) but rarely as Chili Con Frijoles (Chili with Beans). But just as there are chili recipes with no beans, there are just as many recipes that include beans that turn out very delicious. So where did this "beans or no beans" controversy get started? To find the answer to this we need to take a brief look at the history of the dish.

Spicy Beef and Three-bean Chili
Perfect for tailgate parties, this hot and spicy chili is packed with protein, fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants from all the beans, tomatoes, onions and garlic. Keep it lean and heart-healthy by using ground beef with no more than 10 percent fat content; check package labels in the supermarket. If you prefer a milder chili, start with half the spices, and increase to desired hotness. Chili is a great leftover meal. Simply reheat until hot (at least 165 F).

'Hot Blond' wins contest
I now can pose as a chili strategist. On Super Bowl Sunday, I took first prize at a rowdy Atlanta sports bar's well-attended chili competition.

Jefferson 'Chili Dawg' hot dog joint offers tasty treat
When he was 21, Barry Breitbard thought he could retire and be perfectly happy doing nothing the rest of his life. When his retirement finally came a few years ago, he lasted nine months.