Smile Politely. Speak Directly. A Champaign-Urbana Culture Blog

When I was a kid, my mom would make her famous chili on cold nights, nights of football games, or when one of us requested it! It is still my favorite home-cooked meal when I go to the parents' house, although I discovered last year that she also makes a mean vegetable soup — more on that next time. Hold the lima beans, Mama!

I'd like to report that nothing goes better with Mama's Chili than a peanut butter sandwich (good for dipping — trust me!).

– Angie Heaton

Mama's Chili

Mix together and heat in a large pot:

• 2 tsp. shortening
• 1 small onion
• 1lb. meat/meat substitute, browned
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 large can tomato juice
• 1/3 c. catsup
• chopped garlic, to taste

When I make it at home, I like to kick it up a notch with some jalapeño, or something spicy!

Enjoy!

The former drummer of local bands Corndolly, Liquorette and Tractor Kings, Angie Heaton now whips her rock and roll sensibilities with a healthy serving of genuine emotion and country twang, evident in her 2007 release, The Rumor Mill, recorded and released with her backing band, The Gentle Tamers. She is very beautiful and skinny, and enjoys rollerskating and kissing, possibly at the same time. Be sure to catch her in the Corndolly reunion show this May.