Copy Cat Week Begins with Wendy's Chili

Okay, so this isn't a great picture, but I'm pretty sure no one comes to this blog for the photography...  :)

I love copy cat week - I should do one every month....

Seriously, it's cheaper than eating out.  If I'm ever at the mall and want an Auntie Anne's pretzel, I can say to myself, 'nope, I'll just go home and make a whole batch for the price of one here!' 

My first copy cat recipe for this week is Wendy's Chili.   I love my own chili recipe, but there really isn't a recipe to share since I use home canned spaghetti sauce, and I don't measure my spices.  I like Wendy's chili and it's perfect when I want fast food, but don't want to eat fast food.  Anyway, I've had this recipe for ages but never tried it.  I don't even know where I got it from, it is on a word document print out. 

So, if you like Wendy's chili, you will love this recipe!  It tastes pretty darn close to theirs, if not better... 

Perfect for a rainy/snowy day like today!!!

Wendy's Chili Recipe

2 lbs lean ground beef
29 oz. tomato sauce
1 14.5 oz. stewed tomatoes
29 oz. kidney beans
1 c. onion diced
1 small can of diced green chilies
1/2 c. celery
2 tsp. cumin
3 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
2 c. water (I actually did 3 instead of 2, so it wouldn't be quite as thick, and would go farther)

Brown the meat and drain off the fat.  Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook for 2-4 hours.   Or, add all ingredients to a large pot on the stove and cook for about 45 minutes. 

ENJOY!!

FYI - This week there will be a few copy cat soup recipes, I guess I've really been in the mood for soup...