Gerry's Chili Better Than the Best Chili

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef 
• 1 cup onion, diced 

Dry ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 
• 1⁄4 teaspoon celery seed 
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons chili powder 
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin 
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red chili pepper 
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 
• 1 bay leaf 
• 1 (15 ounce) can italian tomato sauce 
• 1 (30 ounce) can diced tomatoes 
• 2 (15 ½ ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained)

1. Brown hamburger & onions. Drain. 
2. Whisk the dry ingredients to blend thoroughly. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and dry ingredients to the pan. Simmer for at least one hour. Refrigerate overnight. 
3. Reheat and remove the bay leaf before serving. 

Note: Freezes very well. 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce plus ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning can be substituted for the Italian tomato sauce.