NewsTribune_Boomers_112721

ILLINOIS VALLEY

Boomers

TODAY November 2021

HOT DOG! LESSER-KNOWN DOG-WALKING TRAILS IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY

Also: ■

A local sports superfan shares his story

■ Finding

a great cup of coffee in the Illinois Valley

■ Indulge

in our comfort food recipes this fall

publication

Enjoy Your Autumn Fall has always been my favorite season. With the beautiful leaves, break from the summer heat, the intoxicating aroma of pumpkin spice, and the pitter-patter of little feet as neighborhood kids stop at my house for treats on Halloween, I adore everything about this season.

If you’re a pet owner, this season is the perfect time for enjoying leisurely walks with your dogs. Neither of you will overheat on your journey as you would in the summer, and you also won’t be freezing as you might on those long winter walks. If you’re tired of the same old scenery you always see on your usual dog-walking route, we’ve uncovered some new territory for you to explore. We chose to feature three

Boomers Today 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com

lesser-traveled dog-walking spots in the Illinois Valley.

If you don’t have any four-legged friends to take care of, you might want to find some new locations you can go to for a great cup of coffee and a chance to make new friends. It’s especially important to have a plan for staying in touch with friends as the temperatures drop. Many of us want to stay home more than ever when it gets colder out, but remaining social can improve your mood and your mental health during the long, frigid months we have ahead of us. If you’re looking for a new coffee place, check out our article in this issue.

For people who like to cook, we’re sharing several comfort food recipes in this issue. When the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing I like more than stepping into my kitchen and cooking up a bunch of comfort foods for my family to enjoy. The heat from the oven feels wonderful on those chilly afternoons and nights, and the

smell from the dishes I’m making reminds me of those precious autumn days when I was a kid. My mom’s cooking always seemed to make the house smell amazing. I cherish those childhood memories and hope I’m creating the same kind of lifelong impact on my kids.

Another article in this issue that you might enjoy taps into lifelong memories of a different kind. Our article about a local superfan of sports is one you don’t want to miss. Many of us who played sports in grade school or high school can still recall the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of being part of a team even decades later. We interviewed one local superfan who shared his memories of his glory days with us – and continues to be a familiar sight to many Illinois Valley sports fans. We applaud his dedication to sports and his school.

Best wishes, Shannon Serpette, Niche Editor

Contents Coffee Break 4

Publisher Dan Goetz

Can’t-miss locations coffee lovers should visit in the Illinois Valley.

Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com

A Change of Scenery 8

Walk your dog on the Illinois Valley’s less-traveled trails.

Writers David Cook Courtney Jonsson Brandon LaChance Shannon Serpette

Still at the Gym 14

Photographers David Cook Courtney Jonsson Brandon LaChance Shannon Serpette

Comfort Foods for Chilly Days 20

Pat Beals graduated in 1973, but still cheers for MHS.

Hearty recipes to warm you on a cold fall day.

Designer Liz Klein Published by: est. 1851

On the cover: John Polen and Eileen Jordan enjoyed the pleasant trail at Dayton Bluffs in Ottawa that looped through a prairie area undergoing a transformation back to its native state.

PHOTO BY DAVID COOK

2 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 3

Coffee Break

Can’t-miss locations coffee lovers should visit in the Illinois Valley

Story and photos by Courtney Jonsson

A

s temperatures begin to drop, fit all the grandkids around. With a kidevents start to slow down, makfriendly menu and a variety of choices ing it harder to find hotspots to for everyone, Nonie’s is a great place gather with family and friends. Where to bring friends and family of all ages. does one go when they would like to Walking through bustling downspend time with each other? The Illitown Ottawa, you are likely to run into nois Valley has quite someone carrying a few places that let a paper coffee cup you spend time with dressed in a fedora. others while sipping This little hat serves on hot drinks to comas the logo for Jerebat the winter’s cold. miah Joe Coffee. With No matter what part an open concept, the of the region you are downtown location from, there is a cafe has plenty of spaces nearby that offers to sit and enjoy an specialty drinks, decespresso drink along adent treats, and just with a light snack. plain old cups of joe.

“My favorite part of At Nonie’s Bakery Jeremiah Joe’s is the and Café in Utica, atmosphere. The staff the smell of freshly are warm and friendly. ground coffee beans If you’re not sure what is your greeter. As to order, they will this scent overtakes make suggestions for you, your eyes will you, based on what quickly notice the disyou like,” Kayla BuJeremiah Joe Coffee, located in play case filled with chanan, a long-time Ottawa, offers a variety of espresso scones, muffins, and customer, said. drinks that can be served hot or iced. other pastries. The When you look atmosphere reminds down the halls, you’ll one of home. notice something a little different about Tables are scattered throughout the the decor. Hanging on the walls are space, fit to accommodate different pieces created by local artists. Sipping sizes of groups. Intimate seating for on a cup of Two River Blends coffee, a two is offered next to the window, or See COFFEE page 6 you may push a few tables together to

4 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

Customers decide what treat to get during their visit to Nonie’s Bakery and Café in Utica.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 5

Coffee FROM PAGE 4

Jeremiah Joe specialty, while browsing the masterpieces of local talent serves as an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

Hands cupped around your mug, you and your loved ones share the joy that art can bring merely by observing. This will be a memory you can treasure. As pieces sell or go on to their next gallery showing, the art rotates, making each visit special as the art never remains the same.

If you’re looking for a crowd of regulars to mingle with, Gold Mine Restaurant in Spring Valley may be the place for you. Walking through the doors brings a sense of nostalgia. The scent of pancakes overtakes you, and you notice little groups of people chatting about the weather, the latest news, and how Hall High School is doing in sports this year.

“Gold Mine is the perfect place to dream about the future of Spring Valley. It is the second City Hall,” Will Juntunen, a patron of the cafe, said.

The regulars may turn and glance at you if you’re not a

familiar face, but don’t worry, you’ll be welcomed just like those who take a seat at a table a few times a week. Before you know it, you’ll be asked about your kids, what you do or did for a living, and how you’re getting along these days. It only takes a few visits at Gold Mine to no longer be a stranger.

With plentiful options in the Illinois Valley, one might be on the hunt for something that’s not too fancy. John’s Place in Peru has adopted this motto for their lunch spot. This smalltown diner has kept its smalltown price tags on the menu items. Stuff ten dollars in your pocket before you leave the house, and that’s all you need to feast at John’s Place.

Their lunchtime menu ranges from homemade soups to burgers and includes wraps.

As you approach the register to order, ask about the secret menu, and let the cashier tell you all about the pie selection.

After grabbing your inexpensive cup of coffee and a slice of pie, take a seat at the counter if you want a conversation.

The sizzle of burgers and the chatter of patrons may cause you to have to speak up a bit while making small talk with the cook.

Nicole Piano, the owner

6 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

of John’s Place, shared what makes her restaurant unique.

“My favorite part over the last 16 years is that John’s is a place you can go to meet people. Whether you’ve lost a spouse, want to make new friends, or just need a place to socialize, John’s is great for that. There is never a dull moment,” she said.

You will notice professionals running in on their lunch break, while those who are retired take a little more time to study the menu. The feeling of a warm mug between your palms, a steamy bowl of chili, and conversations with old and new friends is enough to make you forget about the frigid weather you’ll have to endure when you say goodbye for now.

Warming up is easy when you have the right place to go.

Having a spot for a warm beverage and bite to eat allows you to be in the community with your family, friends, and neighbors. Nonie’s, Jeremiah’s, John’s, and Gold Mine all have unique atmospheres that cater to those you love, making them a great meeting spot for all. Enjoy the unique menus at each location, while trying your best to find joy during the coldest months of the year.

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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 7

A Change of Scenery Walk your dog on the Illinois Valley’s less-traveled trails Photos and story by David Cook

A

long with hair, barking, and slobbery kisses, taking your dog for a walk is a daily activity every owner is familiar with. However, journeying over the same route day after day can become mundane, and everyone appreciates a change of scenery (and smells).

The following are descriptions of

8 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

three lesser-known destinations where both you and your dog can enjoy some new terrain. A location was chosen in each of the three counties that make up the Illinois Valley – LaSalle, Putnam, and Bureau. Leashes and See WALK page 11

Descending into the fully restored prairies of Hennepin’s refuge provides you with a sense of how vast and full of life the great prairies must have been.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 9

Donald and Eve Delmar of Marseilles enjoy making the trip to Dayton Bluffs with their two dogs, Boomer and Rose.

10 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

Walk

FROM PAGE 8

picking up after your pet are the rules at each, and respect for the surrounding nature and wildlife is expected.

You should also follow basic safety precautions for both you and your pet, and if possible travel with someone.

The dogs chosen to walk through these areas were seniors, and they easily covered approximately a mile at each site. There are miles of additional walking available at these three places if both you and your dog have the required energy. The selected trails were all fairly level, wide, and easy to traverse.

the preserve with their dogs, Boomer and Rose.

“We like the solitude, and these two aren’t the most well socialized, so that helps,” Donald said.

Passing other dogs while walking through the neighborhood during a busy time of day can be stressful for both owner and pet, which is another reason why visiting the tranquility of a prairie trail can be a positive experience for everyone.

Eileen Jordan of Princeton walked the prairie loop trail with her dog, Oddly, and her father-in-law, John Polen of Dayton.

“I like how wide the trail is, and it’s comfortable to walk on,” Jordan said.

“It’s really pretty out here,” Polen added.

Since the locations chosen for this set of trails are some of the area’s less visited, Jordan volunteered to also walk her pets while visiting the other sites featured here to give readers the scoop from one pet owner to another.

MARQUIS OAK RIDGE TRAIL Part of Putnam County’s amazingly diverse Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, located just south of Hennepin along Rt. 26, this trail is the northernmost entry into a fully restored collection of increasingly rare ecosystems covering

Dayton Bluffs in Ottawa is a new conservation area that’s undergoing a restoration of its natural prairie and woodland conditions. It’s also a site that contains prehistoric burial mounds, a historic cemetery, river views, and miles of scenic trails.

DAYTON BLUFFS PRESERVE This location was easy to find and had ample parking. Located at 2997 Illinois Route 71, just north of Ottawa and south of the I-80 interchange, this nature preserve is managed by The Conservation Foundation. There are more than 100 acres of open prairie being restored to its natural beauty.

Additionally, there are 150 acres of woodlands that include more challenging trails, Native American burial mounds, and views of the Fox River.

Donald and Eve Delmar of Marseilles occasionally make the trip to

There are three different places to enter the Wes and Sue Dixon Waterfowl Refuge trail system, located just south of Hennepin along Rt. 26. Each features a different set of ecosystems to explore, and the seven miles of trails are interconnected.

See WALK page 12 A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 11

Walk

FROM PAGE 11

Lock 2 of the Hennepin Canal State Park trail system is located in Bureau Junction. The canal trail is an easy walk and pleasantly shady.

more than 3,000 acres.

This portion of the refuge’s seven miles of trails was sponsored by nearby Marquis Energy and covers the first 2.4 miles, ending at the observation tower at the lake. At the beginning of the trail, there’s a short descent, but after that, walking is level.

Guiding you through the transitioning ecosystems as you move closer to the wetlands, lake and river are informational illustrated signs. You’ll see mesic prairie, wet prairie, wet meadow, and marsh on this trail.

“I felt very immersed in nature here and enjoyed how it changed. It gives you a sense of how immense the prairie was and of what it must have been like to live in and travel across,” Jordan said.

“The trail was wide and groomed enough that Petunia was able to walk comfortably with me, so I liked that, but she does look pretty tired. This one felt more like a hike than a walk,” she said.

This site was the most rugged, but it’s well managed and worth the effort.

If you’re looking for the greatest exposure to nature, this is a wonderful place to visit.

LOCK 2, HENNEPIN CANAL Located in nearby Bureau Junction in Bureau County is Lock 2, part of the 100 mile-long Hennepin Canal State Park trail system. This is a peaceful walk that takes you along the canal and the edge of the surrounding woods.

“I liked how shady and green this one was. I enjoyed walking along the water and being able to see down into the woods. The trail was wide and comfortable, so it was nice walking with Oddly. It was surprisingly pretty here, I didn’t expect that,” Jordan said.

“I also liked hearing the water falling under the bridge, but I think we both found it a little scary to look over the edge of the canal in that area.”

12 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 13

Still at the Gym Pat Beals graduated in 1973, but still cheers for MHS

By Brandon LaChance On any given day at any of the Mendota sports facilities, during any sport available during the current season, there is a good possibility of seeing a familiar face in the crowd.

You may know him from a previous sports outing. You may know him since he taught at Mendota Northbrook from 1994 to 2013.

The familiarity could be because he coached numerous sports in Mendota, including the sophomore boys’ basketball teams from 1994 to 1998 and then the varsity team from 1998 to 2001.

There is also a chance he was a classmate of yours when he graduated as a Trojan in 1973, or you watched him play basketball, baseball, football, and run cross country before his last day of school.

It doesn’t matter how Pat Beals of Mendota is remembered; he is easily recognized because he has remained a faithful Mendota sports fan for 48 years after he received his diploma.

“It’s something to do that I enjoy.

I’ve been around sports my whole life,” Pat, who is now 66, said. “My dad (Bob Beals) was a coach, and

my earliest memories – even before Mendota as he was coaching in Hampshire, Illinois, when I was born – were just being in the gym goofing around and having fun.

“We moved to Mendota when I was 5. I pretty much grew up in the old Mendota High School. I played and coached, and now it’s fun to go and watch,” he said.

Not only did Pat watch his father coach the MHS basketball and baseball teams (from 1961 to 1975), but he also received athletic genes from both his dad, who played baseball for the University of Iowa, and his grandfather on his mother’s side, Herbert Jebens Sr., who played basketball at Drake University and Iowa.

Pat used his genetics wisely as he was on the basketball and baseball teams for all four years, was the freshman and sophomore quarterback in football, and then ran cross country during his junior and senior campaigns. After playing one year of basketball at Illinois Wesleyan See BEALS page16

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It didn’t take long for Pat Beals of Mendota to find some hardware he was part of in Mendota High School’s trophy case after Princeton and Mendota wrapped up a volleyball contest earlier this year.

Beals played basketball and baseball for the Trojans for four years before graduating in 1973.

PHOTO BY BRANDON LACHANCE

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 15

Beals

FROM PAGE 14

University and one year at Illinois Valley Community College, Pat transferred to Illinois State University for his education and played intramural basketball.

Once the playing days were done, he jumped into coaching, where he led different age groups in baseball, softball, soccer and basketball.

“I only coached basketball in high school.

I didn’t want to coach anything else,” Pat said.

“I was asked to coach football a million times at Momence and Mendota.

I said no because I didn’t like it enough to want to coach it, and they only asked me because they didn’t have anyone else to do it. I didn’t think I knew enough about football to coach.

“I coached baseball for years when I was a kid. I led youth baseball teams for eight years, but I never coached at a school,” he said.

With a lifetime spent at a gym or a field playing, coaching and even umpiring (when he was younger), what was expected of Pat as he got older?

The only thing a sports fan knows how to do – watch sports. He even has his partner to cheer along with him in his wife Holly Beals.

“I like to go to Mendota games. I usually know who the people are or who they’re re-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pat Beals goes up for a jump shot at the end of a close game during his senior season.

Beals remembers making the shot even though it was a tough shot and angle.

16 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

lated to, but that doesn’t really matter. In the spring, I’ll go to baseball and softball games, and go to tennis events sometimes,” Pat said. “I never went to soccer games until a few years ago when Cruz Figueroa was on the team.

“I used to teach him in fifth grade. When he was a senior on the soccer team, Holly came home from teaching at the school with this letter and he wanted me to come to a soccer game. They were doing this thing in school about remembering their former teachers. It threw me off, but I went to the soccer game and watched it.”

Since moving to Mendota when he was 5, there are only a few seasons when Pat did not go to games.

But after his short break in the early 2000s, he’s been to more events than he can count.

For the most part, the high school games have all featured Mendota, except for a few LaSalle-Peru games. Pat does go to many other sporting events, such as IVCC games and Northern Illinois University games.

“I have gone to other high schools if I have friends who coach there or their kids play for another school,” he said. “It’s usually Mendota. Holly still teaches and likes to go to Mendota games also. We don’t go to the away games that much. We will go every once in a while if Mendota is good and they’re playing a good team. I just like to go.

“I have a couple of purple and gold shirts still, but I got rid of a lot of them. I don’t particularly care for the colors anymore, but I loved them as a kid. My dad was nuts. He had these gold pants he used to wear. He had purple sport coats. He seriously went out and bought clothes like that because it was cool in the 1970s for the coach to dress like that.”

Another aspect of sports Pat has learned over the years is how it can bring a group, a town, or a community together to support one cause.

He’s seen it many times with numerous stellar Mendota teams including the boys’ and girls’ hoops teams of the 1990s, the baseball team that finished third in state in 2003, and the quarterfinal football teams of the mid-2000s.

“When a high school sports team is really good in a town, it brings the community together,” he said. “You get the parents and family members, the fans who already went, and then the people who normally wouldn’t go to a game but will if the team is good. Everyone wants to go Pat, the familiar face, was part of the community supporting the MHS boys’

PHOTO BY BRANDON LACHANCE

The familiar face of Pat Beals was seen at another Mendota sporting event on Sept. 9, 2021, as he watched the Spikers take on Three Rivers Conference East Division foe Princeton. After Mendota High School lost the match, he celebrated their highlights and questioned some decisions, just like a super fan should.

soccer team as it won its first ever sectional title before falling in the Class 1A Super-Sectional to the host team, Bloomington Central Catholic, 3-2 on Oct. 26.

“It’s good for a town to have good sports,” he said. “I think Mendota can get back to that.”

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 17

What brought you here to Liberty Village?

“I had to walk down stairs to the basement of my home to do the laundry and go outside to pick up my mail across the street. My daughter wanted me to socialize more than I had been able to.”

What do you enjoy about living here?

“I’m glad I did move to Liberty Estates. I have met a lot of nice people. We are like one big family.” ly.”

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www.IHCC.CARE A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 19

Comfort Foods for Chilly Days

By Shannon Serpette When the weather starts getting chillier, many of us notice our eating habits begin to change.

You no longer want the salads or juicy fruits you were fond of all summer. Instead, you begin craving homemade comfort foods that will warm you up. Noodles, cheese, soups, and pretty much any carbohydrate known to man is what you suddenly want.

If you’re looking for some big, hearty recipes that will warm you on a cold fall day, here are some of our favorites.

Creamy Mac and Cheese INGREDIENTS 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is a good option) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 and 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup butter 2 and 1/2 tablespoons flour For the topping 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 teaspoon paprika

INSTRUCTIONS: Cook and drain macaroni according to the instructions on the box. In a pan, melt butter and stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk slowly while continuously stirring. After all the milk has been added, stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add the cheeses and keep stirring until the cheese has melted and thickened the sauce.

Place the macaroni in a sprayed baking dish and spoon the sauce over the top. Melt the two tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Stir in the breadcrumbs and paprika, cooking lightly until brown. Distribute them over the top of the macaroni and cheese dish.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

20 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

Foolproof Meatloaf INGREDIENTS 1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 egg 1 onion, chopped fine 1 cup milk 1 cup dried bread crumbs or cracker crumbs For the topping 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 and 1/2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard 1/3 cup ketchup

INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a big bowl, combine the beef, onion, egg, milk, and bread crumbs. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

Place the mixture in a greased loaf pan or formed in the shape of a loaf in a baking dish.

Use another bowl to combine mustard, brown sugar, and ketchup. Mix it and pour it over the meatloaf. Bake for one hour. Any leftovers are great for meatloaf sandwiches.

Find more recipes on pages 22 & 23

Beef Stew INGREDIENTS 2 pounds of stew meat or chuck roast, cut into pieces or cubes 1 large onion 1 cup of celery, diced 1 cup chopped carrots 5 medium potatoes, chopped Salt and pepper 2 teaspoons oil 2 tablespoons flour INSTRUCTIONS Brown the meat in the oil. When browned on all sides, add salt and pepper to taste. Then

add water to a depth of about one to one and a half inches. Cook over low heat, simmering for about one and a half hours or until the meat is tender.

Add the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes.

Continue cooking for 30 to 45 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.

Remove the large vegetables and pieces of meat and put in a bowl. Make gravy by taking one cup of broth out of the pan and discarding the rest. Pour the broth back in the pan.

In another container or jar, shake 1/4 cup of cold water and two tablespoons of flour together. Slowly pour that into the pan of hot broth. While stirring, bring to a boil. Cook for one minute until thickened. Add the meat and vegetables and serve.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 21

No-Fuss Breakfast Casserole INGREDIENTS 9 to 12 eggs 9 slices bread 1 or 2 rolls of sage sausage, each 1 pound 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (can use 16 ounces for a cheesier casserole) 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 cup dry minced onion

INSTRUCTIONS Cook sausage and drain off grease. Place the sausage in a large bowl. Shred the bread slices and add to sausage. Slightly beat the eggs and add enough milk to make four cups. Add to the sausage/bread mixture. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 pan and bake for one hour or until brown on top. If you’re short on time in the mornings, you can make the night before and bake in the morning.

Tasty Pepper Soup INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 2 cans condensed tomato soup 2 large green peppers, cut into pieces 2 regular cans of beef broth 3/4 cup of minute rice 2 regular cans of diced tomatoes PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE

This pepper soup is simple to make and can be done quickly for nights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.

INSTRUCTIONS Brown ground beef and onion. Combine with soup, broth, tomatoes, peppers, and rice. Cook until done, about one hour.

22 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication

Cheeseburger Soup INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground beef 1 and 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 and 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1 and 1/2 cup diced celery 2 tablespoons basil 2 teaspoons parsley 6 cups chicken broth 8 diced potatoes 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup milk 16 ounces Velveeta 1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup sour cream INSTRUCTIONS In a large pan, brown meat and onion, then drain.

Add vegetables and broth, cooking until the vegetables are tender. In a large skillet, melt butter, add flour, cook, and stir until bubbly. Stir in milk and heat until thickened. Add mixture to soup.

Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, salt, and pepper.

Cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat, and add sour cream.

Wednesday’s Chili INGREDIENTS 1 and 1/2 ground beef 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 10-ounce can Campbell’s onion soup 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper 21-ounce can of undrained kidney beans 6-ounce can tomato paste 8-ounce can of tomato sauce INSTRUCTIONS Brown ground beef in oil in skillet until well browned. Crumble beef and dust with salt. Pack beef firmly into a saucepan.

Cover and heat 20 minutes on low. Meanwhile, put the can of soup through the blender for one minute (if a smooth consistency is desired) and add to the beef. Cover and simmer for five minutes on low. Add chili powder, cumin, and pepper.

Add kidney beans, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Heat thoroughly for about 20 minutes to let the flavor blend. For a fun variation, try stirring in two teaspoons of Hershey’s cocoa powder and 10 ounces of cola.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | November 2021 23

24 November 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication