Chili Soup and Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve the chili with desired toppings and enjoy!

Note: You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or corn. For a more spicy soup add more chili powder, cayenne pepper or jalapeños.

Here is a classic recipe for Southern-style cornbread:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or baking pan and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Another recipe is the classic sweet cornbread recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch-square baking pan with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, milk and eggs.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Note: you can add ingredients like diced jalapeño, canned corn, or cheddar cheese for extra flavor.