ELIZABETH TAYLOR AND CHASEN'S CHILI--GOOD TIMES

BUDD MOSS WANTED ALL OF YOU TO HAVE THIS---

"This delicious, long-kept-a-secret, recipe represents a bit of old Hollywood history. Dave Chasen started his restaurant in 1937 as a BBQ shack that featured ribs and chili. His business evolved into one of Hollywood's most famous restaurants. It featured American cuisine. By 1940, his famous chili was dropped off the menu but was available if one asked for it; however Dave kept his recipe a dark secret. Eleanor Roosevelt asked for the recipe and was told "no", however Dave sent her a complimentary order. Liz Taylor had an order of his chili flown to her in Rome when she was there making Cleopatra. Before the restaurant closed in 1995, the secret recipe and other memorabilia was given to the Los Angeles Public Library. The recipe is available in the archives of the main library, located in downtown Los Angeles. After the restaurant closed, the building was sold. The building is now occupied by a grocery store, which has a cafe in the store. Some of the old booths are still there along with photos and memorabilia on the walls. They serve Chasen's chili; and the store caters to a celebrity clientele."

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb dried pinto bean
• 1 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cups onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter ( 1 stick)
• 2 lbs center cut beef chuck, trimmed of fat, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 lb pork shoulder, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/3 cup gebhardt chili powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook dry beans according to package directions.
2. Stir the tomatoes with juice into the cooked beans, and simmer 5 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet and saute the bell pepper for 5 minutes.
4. Add the onion, reduce the heat to low, and cook about 15 minutes until tender, stirring frequently

5. Stir in the garlic and parsley; add this mixture to the beans.
6. Using the same skillet, melt the butter and saute the beef and pork, in two batches, if necessary, until browned. Drain.
7. Add meat to the bean mixture along with the chili powder, salt, pepper to taste and cumin.
8. Simmer mixture, covered, for about an hour.
9. Uncover and cook to the desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
10. The chili should not be too thick.
11. Skim off excess fat and serve.