Deb Baker's Green Bay Chili

I had the pleasure of meeting author Deb Baker at a Love is Murder conference a few years back when she was on a panel I was moderating. It was one of the best I've ever done because all the folks were so smart , funny and well spoken. I had been a fan of Deb's two series before that time and am now also a fan of her Hannah Reed books. It does not matter the setting or hobby Deb is writing about - the well researched details and great characters will pull you in! Molly and I were so happy she could join in the celebration this month with Green Bay Chili.-AA

I love the Michigan Upper Peninsula, the place of my birth. That’s why my very first mystery series featured Gertie Johnson, a Yooper (that’s what we’re called) with a stun gun in her purse, a nose for trouble, and a dream of one day creating her very own cookbook. That day is here.


You might wonder what Green Bay chili has to do with Michigan, since Green Bay is in Wisconsin. Let me tell you, there is a huge divide between lower and upper. If Yoopers had their way, they’d be part of Wisconsin.

Yoopers are huge Packer fans.

GREEN BAY CHILI

Makes a big pot

4 pounds ground chuck

1 large onions, chopped

4 tablespoons regular chili powder

1/2 tablespoon hot chili powder

3 tablespoons cumin powder

1/8 cup garlic, chopped

1 can beef broth

1 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked

onions, chopped

sharp cedar cheese, shredded

beans - optional

In a large pot, brown the ground chuck until slightly pink. Add onion and continue to brown until beef is done and onion is soft. DO NOT DRAIN. Add spices and beef broth. Simmer for two hours, checking and stirring often. In last 15 minutes stir in garlic. To serve, place spaghetti noodles in a bowl, top with a large scoop of chili, onions, beans and cheddar cheese.

Deb Baker (McGarity) was born in Escanaba, MI in 1953. Her family moved to Wisconsin in the 60s, but they kept strong ties to the Michigan Upper Peninsula. Her first novel, Murder Passes the Buck, earned her The Authorlink International First Novelist Award where she took the mystery category, then went on to win Best of Show. The stories are set in her beloved Michigan backwoods and feature the unstoppable, unflappable Gertie Johnson. Deb also writes a second series called the Dolls To Die For Series with doll restoration artist, Gretchen Birch. Hannah Reed is the pen name Deb uses to write the Queen Bee mystery series. As Hannah, she imagines herself younger, sassier, and much more daring. Buzz Off is available now. Look for Mind Your Own Beeswax, May 3rd 2011