My version of Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati style chili is a bit different than other chili, and around here, we eat out chili in many different ways.

Cheese coneys: hotdog on a bun, topped with chili, onions, mustard, and cheese
3 way: chili on top of spaghetti, topped with cheese. Best served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.
4 way: same as three way, but with the addition of beans or onions
5 way: like a 3 way, but with both onions and beans
6 way: like a 5 way, but with minced garlic on top as well
Nachos: tortilla chips, chili, sour cream, lettuce, onions, cheese, jalapenos, and black olives
Low Carb Coney: chopped hotdogs in a bowl, topped with chili, onions, mustard, and cheese
Chili Cheese Dip: cube 8oz of cream cheese, place in pie plate, cover with chili, and top with shredded cheddar. Bake on 375 until cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips
Burritos: tortilla, chili, rice, lettuce, onion, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and black olives
Walking taco: open an individual sized bag of fritos, ladle some chili in, and top with cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings you like.
Alligator: pickle spear on a bun, made like a cheese coney

I have my own chili recipe I make, that combines traditional chili and Cincinnati style. We like to make it a 5 way (my chili contains beans, though normal Cincinnati style does not).

1lb. ground beef*
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp basil (or italian seasoning)
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp cumin
1/2 tbsp onion or garlic powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
4 15 oz. cans tomato sauce or 2 small cans tomato paste
1 15oz can kidney beans

Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low until beef is done. You may also cook on high for a few hours, if you need it done faster. Remove bay leaf, then serve in any of the ways (no pun intended) listed above. With all of the ways, I like to salt it and add hot sauce and oyster crackers.

*I add the ground beef raw, but some people brown it and drain it first to help control fat and help it cook faster. If is a matter of preference.

If you are out of cocoa powder, but have chocolate chips: omit cocoa powder AND sugar, and just add 1/4 cup chocolate chips. It sounds weird, but it is amazing!