Illini Union Chili

Yes, from the Illini Union cafeteria at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Got my bachelor's there, worked there for 12 years, got my master's there and this mild, yummy soothing chili was a mainstay. Still is, only now I make it myself. I generally make at least a double and often a triple batch because it freezes beautifully. I also use about half light red and half dark red kidney beans, just because. For authenticity, serve with fritos. Also excellent with hot corn bread. A really good variation is to add some small-diced raw green pepper and halved or quartered fresh grape tomatoes for a bit of a crunch and nice freshness, when serving.