Must be Chilly

If it's time for Chili! (bah dum chiiing)
Yesterday I met with with Kristen and Anthony for celebratory cupcakes. The occasion: Culinary school at last! The place: Crumbs Bakery.
We toasted with frosting instead of champagne bubbles. I went home quickly though, taking for granted the unseasonable weather and not wearing nearly enough. As i walked home i couldn't help but notice how clear the sky was, how crisp the air was and how strongly it smelled of chili weather. I have never made chili before; I try to stick to the baked goods because I like the specificity, the method and the steps. But there was no denying what needed to happen in kitchens across the great land of Brooklyn. So I called Shmoops and asked for her recipe for :
Shmoop's Spicy Vegan Chili!
In a large pot, sautee some garlic, green pepper and red onion. ("Some!" she says!! I say "how much? one cup? one clove? one whole pepper....work with me!!!")
once it smells awesome, add a 16oz can of tomatoes, juice and all (if you get diced tomatoes then your set right here. If not, make sure to slice the tomatoes while they are in the pot, so as to not lose any juice. Let that simmer for about 45 minutes.
Watch one and a half episodes of The Simpsons....
Open up a can of Black beans and Red kidney beans (or whatever sort of beans you want.....you get the sense of "whatever" ooozing from this recipe?! it boggles the mind....i Love it.) rinse them off so all that icky bean juice is off, and then add it to the pot!
Simmer for another 15 to 20 mintes. Paint your nails while you wait.
Now, throughout this you should be adding Chili Powder, Oregano, Salt and Pepper. Again, i asked how much and the answer was "to taste". I got confused again, and just kept shaking the bottle of Chili Powder. More is always ALWAYS more. After about an hour on the stove, take off the lid, and smell. that's all you can do. Let your nose be your guide. Think Toucan Sam.
It tasted a bit....how should i say...tangy. And my problem with cooking "to taste" is that i don't know how to remedy that. more something? less of everything? i didn't know. So, i put more chili powder, and it actually worked! So this was my dinner.
it was pretty good, actually. not quite the same, no cheese, no corn bread, no Molly begging at my feet. I curled up and watched It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and it was very chill. (bah dum chiiing! i'm done now.)