Bison Chili Bowls

When it's cold....you know...like 50 degrees in SC...you need something to warm you up!  This chili will do the trick along with some warm cornbread on the side.  It's made with a bison and beef mixture which is a perfect combination in our opinion.  Plus, using bison helps to support the farmers and ranchers who have been working hard to prevent their extinction.  Having chili and cornbread on Christmas Eve is one of the family traditions that your dad remembers growing up.  So, this chili has become our New Year's Eve tradition.

Ingredients:
1 pound of bison
1 pound of lean beef
1 can pinto beans
1 can mixed pinto and northern beans
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1 8 oz cup of water
1 box of Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit (available at Walmart and most grocery stores)
Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste


Preparation:
Brown bison and beef and drain.  Return to pot and add in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasoning packet from Chili kit.  Add in 1/2 of the salt packet and cayenne packets.  Stir and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Add in beans; don't drain them.  Let simmer for 5-10 more minutes.  Taste to see if you need more salt or cayenne if you like it spicy.

Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cornbread.