KJL's TV Dinners: "Bewitched" Chili

Happy Halloween! While I was considering my "TV Dinners" options for the month of October, I thought this recipe for chili would be perfect. For one thing, it's cold outside. As I'm writing this post, it's snowing. Yes, snow on Halloween. Brr! Because it's cold, a warm, delicious pot of chili would be the perfect meal as you sit on the couch, all bundled up with blankets, and watch your favorite Halloween movies and episodes from television shows.

For example, why not watch Bewitched? The classic 1960's sitcom tells the story of Samantha and Darrin Stephens. Darrin (Dick York, but later played by Dick Sargent), a New York advertising executive, marries Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) without knowing that she's a witch. Every time she twitches her nose, magic happens.

"Bewitched" (photo/awn.com)

Thoroughly befuddled by this, Darrin makes Samantha promise never to use her powers. They should be a perfectly normal couple to their friends and neighbors. Samantha agrees and tries to settle into her role as a suburban housewife in the '60s. But Samantha's mother, Endora (Agnes Moorehead), often has a different agenda. She despises that her daughter married a mortal man, and she frequently tries to break up their marriage. Samantha's other "bewitching" friends and family pop in and out of the Stephens' house, making it close to impossible for Samantha to live without magic.

Bewitched is truly a classic. Who hasn't imitated Samantha when she twitches her nose? It's a hilarious sitcom. Sure, it's cheesy at moments, but what sitcom from the '60s wasn't cheesy? It was a wholesome time.

"Bewitched" (photo/E! News)

Because it's Halloween, I'm calling this chili recipe "Bewitched" chili because it's complete with a "purple witch hat." You'll see how the hat was made. Enjoy!

"Bewitched" Chili

My recipe for "Bewitched" chili.

 To cook this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 large can tomato juice
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 small can chili beans
• 1 Tbsp. onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 c. green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small can diced tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/4 c. ketchup 
• 1/4 c. brown sugar 
• Purple tortilla chips 

Brown the lean ground beef. Drain the excess grease and set the beef aside. In a large pot, add the tomato juice and tomato paste. Heat and stir to dissolve. Add the can of chili beans to the pot, as well as the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and diced tomatoes. 

Add the ground beef and cook on medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and reduce the heat. 

Add the chili powder, ketchup, and brown sugar. Let the chili simmer for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Spoon the chili into a bowl. Add purple tortilla chips to the soup, forming the shape of a witch's hat. Enjoy! 

Now, isn't that a "bewitching" meal? 

-KJL-