Skyline Chili

If you have never had this, you must try it.  This is the only time I believe that spaghetti and chili go together. Traditional skyline chili also has an optional chopped onion topping, I do not list it as that would put my allergy over the edge.  However, you may feel free to do so.

1 Lb Ground Beef
1/4 Cup Onion, Finely Chopped
2 Cups Beef Stock
8 Oz Tomato Sauce
3 Tbl Chili Powder
2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbl cocoa powder
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Cumin
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Ground Red Pepper
1/4 Tsp Allspice
15 Ounce Kidney Beans

Required for serving:
Shredded Cheddar
Cooked Spaghetti


Brown ground beef and onion, drain.

Add beef stock, simmer 10 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.  Add the beans and heat for another 5 minutes.  Serve over hot spaghetti, top with cheddar.

Pasta Casserole

The Swiss cheese in this recipe is a nice change from 'traditional' pasta casseroles.  Use any pasta shape that holds a sauce well - tri-color or whole wheat work well, also.  If you have Swiss chard, you can add it as well as or in place of the spinach.

  4 Tbl Butter                                                                             1/8 Tsp Nutmeg

  4 Tbl Cake Flour                                                                      1 Lb Spinach

  2 Cups 1% Milk                                                                       1 Lb Spiral Pasta

  1 Tsp Salt                                                                                 8 Ounce Swiss Cheese

  1/2 Tsp Pepper                                                                         8 Ounce Italian Cheese Blend

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Measure your spices into a small bowl and set aside.

Put the water on to boil to cook the pasta.  When ready, add the pasta.  Add the spinach during the last 4 minutes of cooking time.

Melt the butter in a medium size saucepan or saucier over medium low heat.  Whisk in the flour until blended. Add the milk a little at a time, stirring to fully combine after each addition.  When all milk is added, it should be fairly thick.  Add the spices, stir thoroughly and set aside until the pasta is complete.

When pasta is cooked, pour into a large bowl.  Add the cheese and pour the bechamel (flour and milk mixture) over everything.  Stir to combined and put into an oven safe dish.  Bake for about 30 minutes.