Erin's brother Mark makes good chili. What I remember of the recipe is oil, salt/pepper, onions, garlic, beef and or pork, pureed tomatoes, red beans, cumin, home made chili and pepper powder, smoked paprika, balsamic vinegar and a beer. At one point he was adding some French's mustard but I think he replaced that with the vinegar. Another variation had beef and lamb.

I have a friend who makes a fantastic chili verde. His is thin, like soup with big chunks of tender pork. I tried to copy it by using a few recipes I found online - day one it was ok, but not at all like his. After sitting in the refrigerator over night it was really good.