Trail Food: Loaded Chili

[@robingirven4570]

Holy smokes! My husband would love that! It looks delicious 😊

[@susandyson3921]

I love your teachings.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@robingirven4570]

That’s exactly why I weigh my trays during extra dry time, then I know when it’s for sure dry. When it stops losing weight. It’s done. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is certainly one way to do it.

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Chili, yum.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It was! Thanks.

[@KiwiKiwi902]

Pam and Jim hands down the best creators on KZbin! The information and education you provide is priceless! Thank you! Wish I can afford a freeze dryer☹️but I can't. However you have shown us other techniques that are less expensive. Love love both of you!❤❤.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Wow, thank you! We appreciate that.

[@bonniegainey7729]

Is anyone else having difficulty getting into Pam's Amazon store?

[@trailgrazers3690]

We have had a couple of people mention the same thing. As near as we can tell, it might have something to do with the cookie setting on your computer. Most people can access it.

[@carolynsinyard1306]

Love, love, love your channel.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much!

[@sophiawright8688]

It's 100 degrees outside and Pam is making me want to cook some loaded chili! 😂 It looks amazing 🤩.

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL! Thanks.

[@firequeen2194]

Awesome! Planning a camping trip off grid to test setup and this sounds amazing. Thank you so much. I have some jalapeños that I dehydrated and powdered to control the heat. My fave is probably chipotle for that Smokey flavor. I also have powdered tomato and fast beans as well as canned ground beef. Looks like food storage for the win! 😉

[@trailgrazers3690]

Absolutely! Way to go!

[@karenvonborstel627]

Love your videos you 2. So informative.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad you like them!

[@lauraknoop1877]

We don't have a freeze dryer, nor a dehydrator. However, this is all absolutely fascinating. As always, you and Jim are my heroes. I don't understand how there are enough hours in a day for you to accomplish so much 💗!!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you for your kind words. We love what we do!

[@JaniceCrowell]

I also rinse my canned beans. I don’t want the chemicals. But home canned I don’t usually rinse.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Me too!

[@sheilam4964]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@carolynmoody9460]

Great video ❤️ Blessings 💗

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@mybluemoon9022]

Love your videos. Thank you. You are greatly appreciated and loved. God Bless you and yours.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@stephaniephouotrides2435]

I love chili

[@trailgrazers3690]

We do too.

[@SandraMalone-pq4mn]

I, too, have had issues of freeze drying smoked sausage. Hasn't been acceptable to me. Love freeze-dried chili though!! Thank you and Jim for all you share. Together you make an incredible team!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. I am done with trying to FD smoked sausage. Too much bother and expense for it not to be wonderful.

[@KathyFitz1113]

Yum! Looks amazing!

[@trailgrazers3690]

It was! Thanks.

[@nancychaffin7826]

Yum!

[@trailgrazers3690]

It was! Thanks.

[@Thisisit120]

I bought one of those jam pans after seeing yours. And you are so right. I use it for everything. From cooking,canning, and even used it for our milk pail while milking the cow.

[@doguehauler]

Ditto for me. Best purchase ever!

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are so welcome! I love that pan!

[@paularizzo5217]

Just a thought, instead of sausage links, use bulk sausage that can be browned with other meats, plus a little liquid smoke for that flavor. Chili looks good...even with 106 degree heat index with high humidity.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I do like that idea better. That is what I will do next time.

[@marianeudorf7524]

🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@amsohn1]

Pam & Jim, this looks delish!! Gonna make this minus the beans... and will be Freeze Drying it as well. Thanks for sharing and blessings 🌞

[@trailgrazers3690]

Hope you enjoy!

[@virginiaguest8312]

Thank you Pam and Jim for all your hard work. I learn so much from you! I recently purchased a Harvest Right

[@virginiaguest8312]

And have had the worst time getting a chemical/glue smell out of it as well as milky looking water that drains after the defrost cycle. We have run it about 8 times as well as defrosting extra times. Harvest Right says that milky discharge water and smell are normal. Has anyone had this same experience? Thanks so much again for all the wonderful videos and books!

[@boymama1623]

No, I never had that happen 🥺sorry your having issues.

[@trailgrazers3690]

No, we have not had that issue either.

[@Ninafaye6611]

I love chili and this looks awesome! I Usually just make it in cooler weather. reminds me of cowboy beans.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I agree about the cowboy beans.

[@danbev8542]

You are amazing! So much accomplished before changing out of your elegant work clothes! Another great recipe!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much!

[@chriswyly1]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I look forward to watching your other videos 🙂

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yay! Thank you! We are glad you found us as well! Welcome!

[@shelly8387]

Oh my. My family is going to love this version of chilli. We eat chilli a lot through the winter and I'm always looking for new ways to mix it up a bit.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Sounds great!

[@vikkisoderquist6013]

Awesome! Tfs. I haven't any room in my freezer! Will have to wait for another time. Please stay safe and sending hugs to you both 💜 😎

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much!

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Super recipe!!! I need to take a break from watching your videos and go cook something for supper!! But it looks so good. And cornbread always hits a home run in my book. Would it be possible to share some of the things you guys do to stay so energized? It is amazing all you accomplish any given week. Jesus bless.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. We try to eat right and get enough sleep--that is all I can think of that helps keep us going. We don't take any supplements or drink energy drinks! LOL Having things to do that I love like my job and our 2 KZbin channels is very motivating for us as well.

[@JAD1DAD]

I am guessing that by now you have figured out the issue with the sausage. It's the fat. When I freeze dry meat with high fat, in particular smoke sausage, I cook it the way I want it for the dish then I simmer it in water, spooning off the fat that rises to the top. While the simmering can make the sausage seem water logger, it hasn't been an issue when rehydrating. To date, I have not had any of our freeze dried fatty meats be an issue.

[@KitchenFairy61]

I love to add some bay leaves, dried cilantro, and ground coriander to my chili 😋

[@trailgrazers3690]

That does sound fantastic!

[@AussieBrit]

Thanks for the informative video. The recipe looks great, I'm going to try it! Cheers from Oz! 🦘

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for watching!

[@garliclovers1416]

Thankyou for this recipe. Looking good. Also thanks for the freezer tip.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are welcome.

[@donnamullins2089]

Happy vacation. Well deserved and needed. Great looking chili.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks so much! It really is easy!

[@carolhudson3219]

I can't wait to get my freeze dryer so I can try some of your recipes

[@JaniceCrowell]

I also! Mine should arrive this month.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Excited for both of you!

[@sandrayarnell9498]

The chili looks great! Great video! Thank you and God Bless!

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome.

[@ChieftuckabuckawaysWife]

Hello Jim, and Pam, Such a fantastic idea!! Loaded Chili!!! While you were adding the meats you referenced perhaps smaller chunks. I realize you just got home from work perhaps cut the sausage in quarters. Round squares tee hee hee...you know what I mean (I hope). After you freeze the loaded chili and then freeze dry them I hope they freeze dry perfectly. Do a lot of hoping just now 😊. Speaking of perfect, your hair is quite beautiful. Perfectly coiffed! I like that "someone" drinks Dr. Pepper, it's so misunderstood 😉..If anyone would try it, they'd know it tastes good 🤣🤣... I also like the phrase banking the food. It's such a great way of putting it. Thank you so much for this video and the books you write ✍️ ✍️ .

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL--I am the guilty person who loves Dr. Pepper! Thanks for your comment.

[@lindahipple4817]

Thankyou Dr. Pam and Jim, great looking chili, can't wait to make it and freeze some. Bryce Canyon is one of our favorite spots too! Just a beautiful place with lots of wildlife. Enjoy your vaca and share some videos soon. Blessings.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Our pleasure! Thank you so much.

[@susanturner1171]

Looks wonderful!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@theresamascorro2724]

Thank you. The chili looks delicious

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. It is one of our favorites!

[@jrae6608]

Thanks for video. Will be making this, will use ground smoked sausage instead, or just grind up my ring smoked sausage. A great recipe. Thanks again

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I think would be a perfect solution!

[@marygallagher3428]

Your chili looks fantastic!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. While the sausage is wonderful in the mix, I won't use it again if I plan to freeze dry it.

[@KoniB.]

thank you! love this video and it's ideas.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You're so welcome!

[@cherylrowling3339]

On one of your videos you said that you bought mats for your freeze dryer but it sounded like you found them in a store. I was wondering what you use n where you found them. Thanks! I love your channel!

[@trailgrazers3690]

I bought oven liners and cut them to size: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L113KFY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@lynsmith2698]

I will definitely be trying this recipe but will freeze it since I don’t have a freeze dryer. The only thing that was missing in the chili was corn. I love corn in my chili. Great video🌷🇨🇦

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have never had corn in chili--I will have to try that.

[@lynsmith2698]

@@trailgrazers3690 I know….it’s far from being authentic but I started doing it years ago to stretch the chilli so it would go farther. I love the little bit of sweetness it adds to the spice. And it looks pretty too.

[@mayhembeading3737]

Nice.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@Lulu-he9dp]

That loaded chili certainly is loaded! Lol It looks delicious! More fat in the smoked sausage so it was good to see how you safely solved that. Maybe freeze drying that separately to add to meals would be good and if chili is simmered a little while when using the flavors will still incorporate. We won't be camping, but these are great for at home use too!! Thank you so much!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, that is a good solution as well. Not sure I will use that again in this recipe.

[@JaniceCrowell]

I think boiling the sausage slices first might remove enough fat, but some flavor as well.

[@beverlymeister9836]

Love you videos. Could this be canned? It just looks so good. Thanks for all you do.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is not a tested recipe for pressure canning, so I wouldn't do it.

[@peggyoconnell3733]

A great video and a great chili recipe!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks so much!

[@peggyoconnell3733]

Great video! Great recipe!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@debbibajek]

Looks amazing. I love chili and it's so easy

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks. This is indeed a very easy recipe.

[@wreathscraftsbylena]

Looks delicious! TFS

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for watching

[@amyhowell4000]

Is there any chance you would do a video on canning beans? Thanks for another wonderful video xxx

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is a great idea. We will do that. I have a video on that on our other channel already, but I think one would be good here and I have some cannellini beans that I would like to can. Thanks for the idea.

[@amyhowell4000]

Thank you xxxx

[@WinkTartanBelle]

I have made a similar recipe for years, but mine includes hominy and often some vegetables from my garden or home canned items I need to use, like carrots and beets. I live in Texas, where calling something "chili" comes with risk. ;) I've always called my concoction "Texican Goulash". (I often cut my sausage in half lengthwise before slicing the coins. in case small children are eating and the whole coins might pose a choking hazard. Will this make it freeze dry better?) I make another version with seafood and no red (only green) chili peppers/powder, something like a pozole, that I call "Mexicali Goulash". Either is served over noodles or pasta (any kind) or rice. Also served in a bowl with cornbread, tortillas, or any hearty bread. Having only very recently acquired a freeze dryer, I'm excited to add this to the list of ready meals I can stock up on. Have you considered adding a moisture meter to your collection of gadgets? I've found a cool "french fry scoop" utensil that I can highly recommend for clearing the freeze dryer trays of crumbly or delicate foods. It's got an offset handle and a funnel-like slide built in, so makes filling mylar bags a breeze. Check the measurements and find one with 7-inch sizing (for the medium trays) and you are good to go. Even loading jars is easier for me with it in hand. Like most of my bigger kitchen/food prep purchases, I got mine at my local restaurant supply store for a fraction of what even Amazon charges. My big 10-tray all-stainless Cosori-type dehydrator (with all the features anyone can need) was only about $250 there, versus anywhere else! My huge jam pot (I love and use mine heavily!) was a fraction of the cost of anywhere else I looked, and the quality is impeccable. Thanks so very much for your lovely presentations of useful information! I'm a huge fan. Happy trails to you and Jim.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for sharing how you do it. Great idea to prevent a choking hazard but I am not sure it would help with the freeze drying. I think next time I will use ground sausage.

[@Akforgetmenot]

Could you freeze dry the meats separately and then package and store them with the rest of the chili?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes you could. I thought about doing that but wanted to show an alternative method.

[@JaniceCrowell]

Is it the fat content in the sausage which caused it not to dry all the way?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Could be, except it did dry completely in two hours in my dehydrator. However, I don't think I will use that sausage again if I am planning to freeze dry.

[@CbadAngel]

How. I h water is needed to reconstitute the chili after is is freeze dried? Thank you for these videos.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I usually start with a small amount and then add more if necessary. Every time I write the amount down for using the next time, it does not produce the same results, so I just go by the seat of my pants!

[@sassi1239]

QUESTION ..You said that you use butane in your house and That is safe... you're using a CO2 monitor. ..if you were using propane, would this be unusual to have to use a CO2 monitor? I use propane all the time and I've never had any kind of issues. Would there be an issue with propane?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Check the instructions of the individual products you are using. Many propane stoves are not recommended for use in the house.

[@shirleybawden54]

Cut the sauage in small bits

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I will!

[@lori2182]

We are planning to get a freeze dryer in about 5-6 months. Do you think it would have worked better if you had of cut the smoked sausages in thinner pieces or maybe halved or quartered the pieces you did. I have never tried putting smoked sausage in chili but it sure does sound good.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, definitely. However, I think next time I will use ground sausage if I am going to freeze dry it.

[@ann-or6ev]

Why do you drain the kidney beans? I have always used the liquid in with the beans? Is it just choice?

[@JaniceCrowell]

I always drain canned beans except home canned. I don’t want all the preservatives and other chemicals from the can in my food.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I agree with Janice.

[@sueeus4869]

Maybe the sausage has too much fat? Maybe a leaner type? But still, I cannot wait to try this recipe!! You have a way of making everything sound amazing and I’m certain that it is!! 🌹

[@trailgrazers3690]

I love the taste of the sausage in the chili, but I will leave it out next time if I am planning to freeze dry it.

[@sueeus4869]

@@trailgrazers3690 does sausage normally freeze dry well on its own? Everything you put into this chili sounds like it blends so well with the other flavors. This is a million dollar recipe! Mmmm! Thanks again for sharing!

[@MissV1881]

Is this recipe safe for canning?

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is not a tested recipe for canning. I would have to test it myself before I can recommend it. I have the equipment to do that. I would not use the smoked sausage if I were canning it.

[@nancyasberry8458]

Pam, I have a couple of questions regarding freeze drying: 1- Do you think the smoked sausage would freeze dry better/faster if you removed the skin before cooking, so the skin wouldn't be a barrier the freeze dryer may have difficulty working through? 2 - When you reconstitute a soup or chili or stew from the freeze dried state, and you add water to it, does it make it taste watered down since it already had a lot of liquid before it was freeze dried? Thank you in advance for any response you have write.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great questions. Removing the skin might help, but there was plenty of exposure without doing that. They dried great in the dehydrator in a couple of hours, but I don't want to do that every time, so I will probably not use that next time I freeze dry. When you rehydrate food that has been freeze dried, you simply replace the water that was sublimated, so by adding boiling water a little at a time, you can make sure the consistency is very close to the original.

[@nancyasberry8458]

@@trailgrazers3690 that makes sense, thank you so much for your reply.

[@Gran-T]

Great recipe! I gave you a thumbs up, but it's not showing. Thank you for this dump meal. So easy!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@MrandMrsBurns]

Wonderful looking chili! I’ll be making this soon. Question, do you think the fat content is high for the freeze dryer? I wanted to make cabbage and kielbasa and was told in a FD group there was too much fat. What’s your opinion?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I am not sure, but I don't plan to use that sausage next time I freeze dry. It completed drying in my dehydrator just fine.

[@nancykellam6447]

Why do you drain and rinse the black beans and the kidney beans?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I want just the beans and not the juice. Great question. Next time I do that in a video I will explain why. Thanks.

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

Is this recipe able to be canned?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I am reluctant to say yes because it is not an official tested recipe. Chili is tricky to can because it is sometimes very think, which is a barrier to heat transfer. I stick with tested recipes for chili that I plan to pressure can.

[@rosemarycollins4682]

I noticed you don't add celery or peppers is there a preference

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I noticed that too. I don't add either in my chili. The powders she put in sounds like a good mild mix.

[@Gran-T]

We don't add celery nor bell peppers to chili ever in the South, least not in our circle. Dr. Pam added green chilies.

[@trailgrazers3690]

We added green chili. But no celery--personal preference.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

Is your recipe on your site? I seem to struggle to get to your site. My problem.

[@trailgrazers3690]

This one is not. I gave it verbally so folks could write it down. It will probably be included in a future publication of recipes.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

@@trailgrazers3690 It sure sounds good!

[@reenyny9502]

Great vid. Pleeease don't share when you're away. Load any vids AFTER you've returned.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, we always do that! Thank you. Plus my son will be here.

[@annelefevre9457]

I would just forgo the smoked sausage…..I rather not have it in chili anyway. Just ground beef.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I plan to do just that.