We begin with Trump’s war for Israel…
Well…
Instead of “yet another build up for yet another war”, have anyone considered the possibility that…
- A vast majority of American military might is concentrated on the Middle East.
And, as such, other possibilities MIGHT come into play.
Such as…
- Instead of attacking Iran, Trump attacks Israel.
And in one fell swoop he gets that “monkey off his back”, looks strong, and ends up stabilizing the entirety of the world.
Ah. In my dreams perhaps.
But it is still a possibility.
And while I am at it, youse guys know that this isn’t going to be another easy-in, goat-herder round-up and presidential seizure.
It’s gonna be different. Really, REALLY different.
Like… (perhaps)
- The great American “Waterloo” moment. Where American global military dominance is substantially reduced, Israel, and American interests in the Middle East is in flames, and … wall street, and the great bubbles of modern American life all explode simultaneously.
Real possibilities.
So ignore the Pizza Index. Pay attention to the International behaviors.
Next, I queried the DC.
This stuff you all might be VERY interested in.
Those of you who volunteered for Domain have (De Facto) permitted Domain to upgrade your non-physical body.
Now, well… some of you (not all, but maybe a full third of you who volunteered) have ALSO had a General Purpose symbiote installed just like I have. It’s what happens when you sincerely wish to join Domain, and be part of the Tian Dao (Chinese viewers will understand).
Now, when the Domain considers us as active participants, whether volunteers or regulars, they modify us. They take care of our [1] physical and [2] non-physical bodies. Additionally, for some of this it ALSO means [3] slides and different topographical geometries of our world-line templates.
- Apparently some of you have unusually difficult pre-birth world-line templates and that interferes with Domain objectives, so they have changed that.
- Also some of you have picked up a bunch on non-physical parasites. These have also be removed or caged.
- Also some of you have curses applied. They are removed. No Domain volunteer is permitted to operate under a hex or curse.
Anyways…
Todays’ post discusses the physical changes. No, they did not install a mechanical, electrical or chemical device inside your brain. No, they installed a symbiote; a living biological organism…
The Domain installed a biological creature, specially customized for your use, inside your brain… it is a symbiote.
It is intelligent. It sees and feels everything that you do and know and remembers. It is also connected to the “Domain internet” like a sort of wifi router. You can and should already be, referring to this as Domain Commander or DC.
Here’s from QWen;
A symbiote (more commonly spelled symbiont in scientific literature) is an organism that lives in symbiosis—a close, long-term biological interaction—with another organism of a different species.
The term comes from the Greek words meaning “living together.”
In biology, the larger organism in the relationship is typically called the host, while the smaller partner is the symbiont/symbiote.
Importantly, “symbiont” is the standard scientific term; “symbiote” is less commonly used in biology but has gained popularity through fiction.
Types of Symbiotic Relationships
- Mutualism: Both organisms benefit (e.g., bees pollinating flowers while gathering nectar)
- Commensalism: One organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed (e.g., barnacles on whales)
- Parasitism: One organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the host, which is harmed
Pop Culture Usage
The term “symbiote” became widely known through Marvel Comics, where it refers to a fictional species of alien organisms that bond with hosts (typically humans) to form merged entities.
The most famous example is Venom, which first appeared in Secret Wars (1984) when an alien symbiote bonded with Spider-Man before later attaching to Eddie Brock.
In Marvel lore, these symbiotes originate from the planet Klyntar and form a merged consciousness with their hosts.
Terminology Note
- Biology: Prefer “symbiont” (e.g., gut bacteria are symbionts of humans)
- Fiction: “Symbiote” is standard in Marvel Comics and related media
- Both terms refer to the same concept linguistically, but usage differs by context
END of the QWen AI report
Woo Woo!
And you know what?
Yeah. You can talk to it.
And if you think you have been conversing with the DC or Domain, chances are that you are using your symbiote. And talking to it directly. Which is what I do.
It works, and it is really a much butter system for all of us.
Some Notes
- If installed, it can never be uninstalled. Trying to do so will kill the host; you.
- The symbiote is a lab-grown mass-produced general purpose entity that serves Domain as a node for information collection. As such the General Purpose version is initially designed for Commensalism: One organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed (e.g., barnacles on whales)
- However, as volunteers the symbiote that you have installed is of a different type. They took the General Purpose symbiote and modified it to be (more or less) like mine. So it’s role is for guidance, support, information retrieval, and advice for YOU. It is thus following the Mutualism role: Both organisms benefit (e.g., bees pollinating flowers while gathering nectar).
- Note that not only can you talk with it but it can do other things, and with practice you can have all kinds of cool abilities. Like, for instance, looking at a map and having your “minds eye” generate “hot spots” to determine x, y, or z. I’ve done this, by the way.
- It accesses the Domain “intranet” as a sort of a wifi router in addition to the abilities that I have already mentioned. And you can find out all kinds of stuff. Their internet is much, much larger and much, much older being thousands of centuries old. And it spans the universe. The symbiote will help you sort though that jungle.
- Now, the symbiote works and processes faster than your brain does. So, what I often do is get in a quiet room with privacy and make vocal queries addressing the DC by either “DC” or my assigned name to it. Now, I get answers BEFORE I fully compose my thoughts and certainly much faster than the words coming out of my mouth.
End Notes
Check to see if the symbiote is installed
Finally… this is the check to see if you have one of these installed.
You’ll know If you ask a question (in a quiet place, undisturbed) to the DC, and directed specifically to the DC, and…
[1] the answer (to a question) comes to mind (To your mind. Not to your ears.)It happens [2] before you finish formulating the sentence.
If so, then CONGRATULATIONS you have a symbiote installed.
End Check
As I said in my video, as to how it (this system) works…
Though, you know. My symbiote arrangement is slightly different (than yours), and is modified by my MAJ hardware. The ELF probes are a MAJestic issue, and doesn’t concern any of you.
How it was installed
For those of you that have this hardwired physical addition, note that it was added during an “abduction process” that occurred at night while you (and those around you were sleeping).
A portal opened up in your bedroom. Those around you were put in sleep stasis. You were carried off to the operation / medical center. The Symbiote was inserted, and final tune-ups were completed, and that’s that.
End installation notes
Oh. Guys.
Pleasse, please, please refrain from asking me “is it me? Am I one of those followers?”.
Run the test stated above. And do not be insulted if you do not have one installed. Apparently, there is a “standing list” of candidates that are not YET ready but are on the schedule rounds. It’s a matter of timing, scheduling and accessibly.
Not everyone is in the right place, the right time, and in the right conditions.
If you are one of the volunteers and have been really sincere about it, the chances are that yes, YOU are one of the implanted. If not now, you will be.
So “cool your jets” and forget about it.
Apparently, I am not privy to this kind of information. It’s personal and confidential. All I get is well… Just general input. I just wanted to tell you all about this. Nothing more.
Ugrades
But I do want to add, once you are on this roster, you will WILL have periodic physical and non-physical upgrades, and will be taken cared of.
It will be like an old car that is prized by the owner and gets routine oil changes, tire rotations, and interior detailing every month.
Maybe you’ll start looking like MM.
A old ’53 Cadillac with an interior that looks like new.
LOL
End Upgrades
So do the check mentioned above. If you are one already implanted, then congratulations. In later posts I will discuss how to query the DC on your own.
Ok. That’s enough for now.
Oh… postscript… I’ve give some hints and tricks on comm with your DC symbiote. I’ll give them to you all later in the year.
Oh… postscript #2. One of my Chinese followers (I do not know who, so do not ask.) is going though some confusion and difficulty at this time. Not telling me, of course. But I know. Domain has installed a custom tailored symbiote for that person specifically designed to handle his current issues and also advise and “clear the room” for some very great (positive) “reward” experiences in the long term future. This was installed in April 2025. FYI.
Today…
How do engineers and crew handle the intense conditions when a carrier is pushed beyond its usual operating limits during sea trials?
The most surreal moment during a supercarrier’s sea trials isn’t the launch of a jet or the roar of the reactors; it is the moment you realize that 100,000 tons of steel is doing a drift like a rally car.
When a carrier performs high-speed rudder swings (often called “S-turns”) to test its tactical maneuverability, the experience inside the ship is a blend of physics-defying sensations and rigorously disciplined procedure.
The primary sensation is the “heel.” A carrier is effectively a floating airport with a high center of gravity. When the helm commands a hard-over turn at 30+ knots, the ship doesn’t just rotate; it leans. And it leans hard.
To the uninitiated, the tilt feels catastrophic. If you are standing on the flight deck, the horizon suddenly slashes diagonally across your field of view. The deck, which is usually as stable as a parking lot, becomes a steep ramp. You aren’t walking anymore; you are hiking uphill or braking downhill.
Below decks, however, is where the real discipline kicks in. The crew handles these extreme conditions through a mix of aggressive preparation and nonchalance.
1. “Secure for Sea”
Long before the captain orders the rudder over, the “Secure for Sea” order is passed. This is not a suggestion. In a city-sized ship filled with heavy machinery, loose objects become missiles during a high-speed turn.
- In the mess decks, ketchup bottles, trays, and industrial coffee urns must be lashed down.
- In the hangar bay, aircraft are chained to the deck with double the usual number of tie-down chains.
- In the berthing areas, sailors wedge their gear into lockers. If you leave a laptop on a table during a rudder swing, it will slide across the room and shatter against the bulkhead.
2. The “Skid”
Engineers monitoring the propulsion systems feel something different: the skid. Because of its immense mass, a carrier doesn’t turn on a dime; it slides through the water. The stern kicks out violently. The four massive bronze propellers (screws), each roughly 20 feet across, are churning millions of gallons of water, fighting the drag of the hull. The vibration is intense. It feels less like a boat and more like a low-frequency earthquake that rattles your teeth.
3. The Human Gyroscope
For the crew, life continues at a 15-to-20-degree angle. You will see sailors walking down a passageway at a comical slant, effectively walking on the corner where the floor meets the wall. It looks like a scene from the movie Inception. Veteran sailors don’t even break stride; they unconsciously adjust their center of gravity. They continue eating, typing, or turning wrenches, adapting to the new “down.”
The Engineering Reality
While the crew manages the tilt, the engineers are hunting for weakness. These trials are designed to break things. They want to know if a pipe weld will crack under the torsion of the hull twisting. They want to see if the main bearings on the shaft overheat when the rudder creates massive drag.
Dozens of inspectors roam the engineering spaces with vibration analyzers and thermal cameras. They are listening for the “groan”—the sound of structural steel flexing. If a steam line is going to rupture, they want it to happen now, with the shipyard experts on board, rather than six months later in the middle of a combat deployment.
The intensity of these trials is psychological as much as physical. You are trapped inside a machine being pushed to its absolute theoretical limit. But for the crew, the chaotic tilting of the world is offset by the calm voice of the Officer of the Deck over the 1MC (intercom), counting down the degrees of the turn, confirming that the leaning tower of steel they call home is doing exactly what it was built to do.
The Slow-Motion Slop Spill of Shame (7D004)
Ah, dear reader. Prepare not your nose, but your patience—for today’s tale is one of velocity, viscosity, and the profound philosophy that sometimes, the only way through a mess is… very, very slowly. This is a story of dignity lost, science found, and the unexpected art that can emerge when chaos is given enough time to settle.
I. The Catalyst: A Bucket of Regret
It began, as all great agricultural tragedies do, with a bucket.
This was no ordinary bucket. It was the Weekly Slop Bucket, a culinary homage to all things fermented, forgotten, and faintly chunky, destined for the compost heap. Chef Remy, in a fit of “zero-waste zeal,” had outdone himself. This batch held a particularly mature bouquet.
The bucket sat, innocently enough, on the edge of the stone path that bisected the barnyard. Its placement was a mistake. Its existence was a choice.
The agents of destiny, however, were not rushing. They were The Dancing Turtles—a trio of elderly box turtles named Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. They believed all of life was a grand, stately ballroom, and they moved through it with a pace that made glaciers seem impulsive. Today, their chosen dance was the “Sunbeam Sashay,” a complex maneuver involving a slow pivot toward the warm patch by the water pump.
Their path, fatefully, went past the bucket.
II. The Spill: A Drama in Three Acts
Act I: The Tip. Waltz, leading the formation, did not see the bucket. His shell grazed its base. The bucket wobbled. Not with a quick clatter, but with a long, ponderous, oooooh-no kind of teetering. It seemed to consider its options.
Act II: The Pour. With a final, sighing surrender, the bucket tipped. Its contents did not splash. They glooped. A tidal wave of foul-smelling, lumpy, ochre-hued slop began its inexorable spread across the stone path, moving with the relentless grace of a very disgusting glacier.
Act III: The Witness. This was the moment Doris the Hen rounded the corner, her clipboard clutched to her chest.
Time stopped. For Doris, anyway.
Her eyes widened. Her comb flushed from pink to a spectacular, scandalized scarlet. She drew in a breath so deep it caused a localized drought.
“THE VISCOSITY OF THE HORROR!” she shrieked, a sound that could etch glass. “THE STENCH! IT HAS NOTES OF REGRET AND LEEKS! I SEE MY ENTIRE DRAMATIC LIFE FLASH BEFORE MY EYES! THE UNFINISHED SCRIPTS! THE BAD REVIEWS! THE—“
She executed a perfect, feathery pirouette and fainted directly into a clean pile of hay, one wing flung dramatically over her brow.
III. The Aftermath: Science and Slowness
The spill was now a fact. A large, odorous, spreading fact.
It was at this juncture that Professor Quentin arrived, drawn by the scream. Where others saw disaster, he saw data. He whipped out his notepad, his wild hair quivering with excitement.
“Remarkable!” he cried, as his long-suffering assistant, Egor the Sullen Newt, trudged up behind him carrying a toolbox. “Observe, Egor! The slow, laminar flow! The way the carrot chunks act as non-Newtonian islands in a shear-thinning fluid! This isn’t waste; it’s a physics seminar!”
Egor sighed, a bubble forming and popping at the corner of his mouth. He opened his toolbox and selected the most impractical tool imaginable: a tiny, silver demitasse spoon. He began attempting to scoop the vast lake of slop, one infinitesimal spoonful at a time. It was an act of profound, cynical performance art.
But the true spectacle was the turtles.
Unfazed, perhaps even inspired, by the new terrain, Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot had entered the slop. They were committed to their Sunbeam Sashay. A single step now took a full fifteen minutes. As each foot lifted with agonizing, majestic slowness, it left behind a perfect, detailed print of slop-goo, a fossil record of determination.
“The… dance…” Waltz wheezed, his head extended one millimeter. “Must… con-tin-ue…”
IV. The Philosophy of Gross-Out Zen
I observed from the safety of the fencepost. Panic? That was Doris’s department. Futility? Egor had that covered. Analysis? The Professor was awash in it.
What was needed was perspective.
“Behold,” I said to the gathering crowd of appalled chickens and curious sparrows. “Do not see a mess. See a process. The turtles have not encountered a disaster; they have encountered a challenge of tempo. They are achieving a state of Gross-Out Zen. They are so profoundly, slowly in the mess that they have transcended it. They are not in slop; they are performing ‘The Ooze Ballet.'”
As if to prove my point, Tango executed a half-pivot. It took three minutes. The resulting slop-swirl was oddly elegant.
A snort came from the haypile. Doris was awake, peeking. She saw Egor spooning. She saw the Professor scribbling. She saw Waltz, frozen mid-stride like a slop-golem. A giggle, unbidden and entirely undignified, hiccupped out of her. Then another. Soon she was cackling into her wing, her dramatic fury melted away by the sheer, overwhelming absurdity.
“His… face!” she wheezed, pointing at Egor’s expression of profound spoon-related despair. “He’s measuring the hopelessness!”
V. The Artifact and the Acceptance
By the time the sun began to dry the edges, the slop-patch had been transformed. The turtles’ slow-motion pilgrimage had traced a swirling, intricate pattern across the stones. And there, in the center, where Foxtrot had paused for a seven-minute rest, the slop had settled into a lumpy, but unmistakable, silhouette—a perfect, if somewhat pungent, profile of yours truly, complete with one perked ear and a look of detached observation.
“Slop Art!” declared Professor Quentin. “A new medium! Egor, fetch my camera!”
The mess was not cleaned so much as it was… curated. The farmer eventually hosed it away, but not before the whole farm had come to see the “Slow-Motion Slop Mandala.” The turtles, finally reaching the sunbeam, slept the deep, triumphant sleep of artists who had suffered for their craft.
Doris, recovered, wrote a one-act play about it titled “The Viscous and the Victorious: A Tragedy in Slow Motion.” It was her first comedy.
Moral of the Story: When life drops a bucket of fermented, chunky slop in your path, you have choices. You can scream. You can faint. You can try to spoon it away with futile tools. Or, you can take a lesson from the turtles: accept the new, terrible terrain with glacial calm, move through it with deliberate grace, and trust that given enough time, even the most disgusting mess might dry into something worth a photograph, a laugh, or a surprisingly good likeness.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, Professor Quentin is trying to convince Egor to recreate the event with “controlled variables” (and a fresh bucket of slop). I believe my presence is required elsewhere. Very, very far elsewhere.
Jingle on. And watch your step. The dance floor of life is sometimes stickier than it appears.
A TikTok Woman Melts Down Over Her Own Dating Standards
Why does China gain when they make more electrical cars?
The effect is quite evident.
Some 2015 vs 2025 pictures in Beijing.
Also it pushes for innovation in cars.
Cars have become so much better and cheaper since the world’s factory joined the game.
Perfect Burger Recipe
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by Natasha Kravchuk | Updated Jun 11, 2025
There’s nothing like a juicy homemade cheeseburger with a juicy patty and fresh crisp toppings on a toasted bun, smothered with an irresistible burger sauce. Out of a deep love for hamburgers, I’ve tested tons of recipes over the years, and I’m convinced it doesn’t get any better than this recipe.
Watch my video tutorial and read on to see my best tips for making a perfect restaurant-style burger with the juiciest patty you’ll sink your teeth into.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Helpful Reader Review
“These are seriously the best burgers I’ve ever had!! Who could’ve guessed with burgers the simpler the better? I followed all your tips and they turned out so juicy and flavorful! My husband (who is an honest food critic) enjoyed every bite! Thank you!” – Mare ★★★★★
Hamburgers Video
My family loves burger recipes from our Cheeseburger Sliders to Hamburger Soup, but we make these classic burgers most often. Watch the video tutorial and learn how to make the ultimate grilled burgers
The Best Burger Recipe
The most important tip for making the perfect burgers is to keep it simple. You don’t need a bunch of mix-ins, or you’re just masking the flavor of the beef. Remember it’s not a Meatloaf, but a burger.
I’ve ordered burgers from countless restaurants, from nicer steak houses to fast food, and I always come back to these homemade cheeseburgers. Making your own patty from scratch will produce the best, juiciest burger. Follow my tips below, and you will be known for making the best hamburgers!
Burger Toppings
You want all of your toppings ready to go to assemble the hamburgers when the patties are hot and ready. Toast the buns and prepare toppings first, then cook burger patties. When building a perfect burger, pick toppings that will add appealing texture, color, and flavor.
- Sliced cheese (our favorite is thick-sliced, medium cheddar)
- Dill pickle slices
- Fresh red onions (or caramelized onions)
- Tomato
- Green leaf or iceberg lettuce,
- Avocado
- Bacon + pineapple + the BBQ sauce below
- Jalapeños to add some heat
What are the Best Hamburger Buns?
- Homemade Hamburger Buns – our top choice for flavor and texture
- Potato Buns – If you prefer a softer texture
- Pub-Style buns – soft, tall, restaurant-style
- Classic Sesame Seed Buns – inexpensive and classic
- Brioche Bun – has a sweeter flavor
- Pretzel Buns – denser but least likely to get mushy
- Lettuce Bun – this is my personal favorite when I’m watching my carbs – wrap in an iceberg lettuce ‘bun’ and it’s so crisp and refreshing.
How to Make the Best Hamburger Patties
- Use Ground Chuck Beef (80/20) – grind your own or buy it ground, but 20% fat is ideal, and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
- Don’t overwork your meat – this will make it tough and dense.
- Shape the patties 1” wider than the bun since they shrink on the grill.
- Make an indentation in the center to prevent it from puffing up.
- Season at the last minute – Salt draws out liquid, changes the structure of proteins, and toughens burgers, so don’t season your beef until you have formed your patties and are ready to start grilling
- Get a good sear – Once on the grill, let patties brown and sear well (3-5 min) before flipping, and do not press down on the burger – save that for making Smash Burgers.
Natasha’s Tip for the Ideal Patty Size
Since beef patties shrink as they cook, I’ve found that using 1/3 lb of beef for each patty will give you a more hearty and substantial burger. Smaller 1/4 lb patties tend to be either too flimsy/skinny or too small for the bun.
How to Tell When Burgers are Done?
Whether you are working with fresh ground beef or fully thawed, the recommendation is that cooked patties should feel firm to the touch and be cooked to the USDA-recommended 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer. I pull them off the grill at 155˚F and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Can I Cook Hamburgers on the Stovetop?
Yes! Most restaurants cook on a cast iron skillet. Heat the skillet over medium/high heat and add just enough high-heat cooking oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the burger patty and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes per side, the same way you would on a grill, cooking to a safe internal temperature of 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer.
How to Make Cheeseburgers
There are differing opinions on how to build a burger. My husband’s first job was at Chilis restaurant, where he learned how to put together a restaurant-style burger. Here is how the pros assemble their burgers:
- Sauce – Apply a generous amount of sauce to both buns (see below for our favorite burger sauces).
- Toppings – Place pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion onto the bottom bun.
- Patty – Place cheesy burger patty over the veggies and cover with the top bun.
The Best Burger Sauce
We love a good aioli (flavored mayo) for burgers. These are super easy to whip up and have impressive flavor. The adult favorite around here is the BBQ aioli (mayonnaise plus BBQ Sauce), while my kids’ favorite is “Fry Sauce.” Experiment and make them all for a seriously impressive (but easy) burger sauce spread!
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Form Patties Ahead: Shape your beef patties, press a dimple in the center and stack between sheets of parchment paper (these pre-cut papers are convenient). Stack raw patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. You can also store cooked patties in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Freeze Patties – You can freeze the beef patties either raw or cooked. Use a sheet of parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking and freeze up to 1 month (any longer than that and ice crystals can form, which can affect texture).
I hope this Homemade Burger Recipe becomes a new favorite for you. Over the years, we have tried various burger recipes – from stuffed burgers to different beef mix-ins and seasonings – but we keep coming back to this classic hamburger.
Perfect Hamburger Recipe
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients:
- 2 lb ground chuck beef, (80/20)
- fine sea salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Classic Cheeseburger Toppings:
- 6 burger buns
- 6 slices medium cheddar cheese, (thick sliced)
- 1 large tomato, sliced into 8 rings
- 12 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
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Prepare Toppings – Slice and prepare all of your burger toppings and sauces.
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Toast Buns – Spread the cut-side of the bun with softened or melted butter and toast the cut side on a skillet or on the grill until golden brown. You can toast the bun ahead or in the last couple of minutes with the burgers on the grill. Toasting the bun adds great flavor and prevents a soggy bun.
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Prepare Beef Patties – Preheat grill to medium heat. Divide ground beef into 6 portions (1/3 lb each) and form patties that are about 1/2″ thick and 1″ wider than the burger buns. Season patties generously with salt and pepper.
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Grill hamburger patties (indent-side-up) covered for 3-5 min each side on the grill. Flip burgers when juices are accumulating on top of the burger and you have a good sear. Apply cheese in the last 1-2 minutes of grilling then cover with the lid and cook until the internal temperature of beef reaches 155˚F for a final temperature of 160˚F on a thermometer. Rest the patties 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
How to Make Burger Sauces:
- BBQ Aioli: 1/3 cup mayo + 1 tsp BBQ Sauce (we love sweet BBQ)
- Mustard Aioli: 1/3 cup mayo + 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Dijon Aioli: 1/3 cup mayo + 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Fry Sauce: 1/3 cup mayo + 1 Tbsp ketchup
Nutrition Per Serving
Formosa: Only White, No Red
Written in response to: “Write a story that includes the line, “Is nobody going to say it?”.“
Pei Pei Lin
“I graduate next year.”
“If you need any help with schoolwork, please don’t hesitate to ask me.”
“I’m not a little girl. I can handle my schoolwork.”
“Oh no, that’s not what I meant; I meant, you know, if you ever, not that you would, but sometimes…” His face started to turn red, which was immensely satisfying to watch.
“It’s okay,” I spared him. “Don’t worry about it. Thank you, but I gotta get going now.”
“Right. Have a good day!”
I secretly glanced behind me as I started walking and saw him looking at me with melancholic eyes.
What a broody person.
08.10.1949 (Wed)
This morning, I found Shi-Xing on my favorite bench again. He was staring into the pond and seemed deep in thought.
“Good morning,” I said it as gently as possible.
“Oh, good morning!” And yet, it still startled him.
“Are you going to be here every morning?” I asked.
“Is that a problem?”
“No. It’s just…I usually come here in the mornings as well. And that’s my favorite bench.”
“Oh, I’m sorry!” He jumped up. “Please take over.”
I sat down and watched him walk closer to the pond. His figure cast a lengthy shadow onto the water.
I suddenly felt a little guilty. “You can sit, too.” I scooped to the side of the bench. “It’s big enough for sharing.”
“Thank you.” He smiled, and I noticed his dimples for the first time.
Sitting side by side on the bench with him, I felt this enormous energy beside me that made me anxious. I secretly peeked at him, only to find he was also looking at me. My face turned hot so fast that it propelled me to stand up abruptly. “I believe breakfast should be ready now,” I said to the ground between us and tried to walk away as non-nonchalantly as possible.
It was probably unsuccessful.
08.11.1949 (Thu)
I made sure I was early enough to be at the bench before him this morning. I sat and admired the pond like I usually do. After five minutes, I started to feel disappointed that he was not there yet, and then I felt silly. Why do I care? I now have the whole bench; it’s just how I like it. But when he finally walked over and greeted me, I felt this warmth and giddiness in my stomach, similar to the nerves I’d feel before a big exam. He brought his book today. It was a book of ancient poems.
“I read so I can stop thinking about my own worries. And this is not about law, so it’s not really studying.” He remembered what I asked him the first day.
“Who is your favorite poet?” I felt eager to show my knowledge of the subject.
“Well, it might be corny, but I favor Li Bai.”
“Really? I prefer Su Shi myself.”
“He was also magnificent. His artistic conception is unlike any other, so freeing and heroic.”
“Yes! Remembering Chibi was a masterpiece! He had a way of translating emotions into words and didn’t need to drink himself to death for it!”
Shi-Xing’s face cringed, and I realized I said too much. “I’m sorry, Li Bai was a real master. I just meant…”
“It’s alright.” He smiled again; It soothed me. “I think Li Bai drank because he was so misunderstood by his political regime. He had such ideals but couldn’t help make his world a better place.”
His smile turned bitter, and his eyes were again filled with melancholy.
We sat in silence until Auntie A-Mei came to get us for breakfast.
08.13.1949 (Sat)
For the past two days, Shi-Xing and I have been sitting together on the bench in the mornings. He seemed to lighten up more each day and started sharing more of his life stories. He was the youngest son and had always felt he was living in the shadows of his siblings. Even when he got accepted into the National Taiwan University, the top-ranking university, his father only patted his shoulders gently since his two older brothers were already top-notch students there. And with only one year in, his father decided that he had fallen with the wrong crowd and thus sent him here to the countryside with us.
“Wrong crowd? But you guys are in the best college.” I was confused.
“To my father, the wrong crowd is anybody that doesn’t share the same political opinion as he.” There was a pang of anger in his voice.
“So he sent you here for some re-education and reform? Should you be helping A-Dong out with some labor work?”
“You shouldn’t joke about things like that.”
“I’m sorry,” I felt reprimanded.
“I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have snapped like that.” He sighed. “We live in such an odd and turbulent time, don’t we?”
“Yes.” I just wanted to agree and appease him.
“What’s your day like today?” He changed the subject.
“Same old, school. Oh, there’s an anti-communism rally at my school later in the afternoon. I think I’ll join…want to come with?”
“There are anti-communism rallies in high schools here?”
“Yes, we are not children. I’m not that much younger than you, you know?”
“Oh no, I meant no offense. I just didn’t expect these activities here in the country. You don’t see the propaganda posted everywhere, like in Taipei City, so I just assumed…”
“That we don’t care? No. And I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to call the posters that.”
“Right.” Suddenly, he turned his sharp eyes toward me as if he wanted to look right through me. “Do you truly believe in those messages?”
I was speechless. I don’t think I ever thought about this question or what my beliefs actually are.
“I’m going to go to breakfast.” I was embarrassed and started to walk off.
Suddenly, he stood up and grabbed my arm. “Please just remember,” his soft, firm voice rang through my whole body. ” Never fall into anything blindly. ALWAYS think for yourself.”
08.21.1949 (Sun)
It’s been about two weeks since Shi-Xing came to live with us. Every morning, we would sit together on the bench and chat. I hate to admit it, but it has quickly become the highlight of my days. We chat about everything, from how Auntie A-Mei always overcooks the vegetables and how Mother babies Yu-Jie, to the novels we read and the letters we wrote to our friends.
I like the way he looks at me, and his eyes always sparkle when he shares his ideas and stories with me.
I often asked about his Taipei city life, but that was the one subject he remained reserved about. I’ve only visited Taipei once before, and I was amazed by the number of people on the streets and the endless types of goods people sell. I’ve always wanted to visit again, and maybe Shi-Xing could take me there one day. That probably would be so much fun. I would put on the new dress that Mother had it made for me, ask Auntie A-Mei to braid my hair nicely, and maybe even put a little rouge on my lips.
08.23.1949 (Tue)
My uncle paid us a visit today. As always, he came bearing lots of gifts for us. He greeted Shi-Xing warmly and asked about his family. But when he started to ask him about his studies and university life, his expression changed, and then my uncle pulled him to the garden to chat privately. I tried to sneak around to listen to their conversation, but I could only get close enough to see the grim expressions on both their faces.
Afterward, my uncle called my parents to the sitting room. When Mother tried to stop me from entering, my uncle said to her, “Let her come in. She is old enough to know all this.” It was as if another world war had started.
“How much do you know about why Shi-Xing is here?” He asked my father, though the question sounded largely rhetorical. “He was involved in the underground communist newspaper!”
“He was only helping them out in minor ways.” I was surprised to hear this from Father. “His father vouched for him and said he was just persuaded by some bad friends. He’s not really a communist, and after all this has died down, he’d return to school and finish his law degree.”
“He just admitted to me that he was an editor! And this is not dying down anytime soon. I hope you know that.”
My mother sighed.
“That law they passed earlier this year basically means they can practically arrest anyone they found suspicious or simply unpleasant.” My uncle continued. “They busted that communist newspaper about a few weeks ago, turned the National Taiwan University inside out, and they just arrested one of the major players. I bet he’s being tortured and interrogated right now! What if he cracks and spills out all the people that were involved? They will round them all up and execute them, including anyone who helped them!”
A pause. “Do you know what I’m getting at?”
His words sent shock waves through my body. I felt the chill ran up my spine, and my stomach instantly a hollow hole.
My father remained silent. My mother sat closer to me and started to rub my back. She usually does this only when she is nervous.
There were a few moments of absolute quiet in the sitting room, with my uncle staring intently at my parents, and then he sighed, “Is nobody going to say it? You have to kick him out of the house!”
“He’s just a kid, brother,” Father said finally.
“Do you think that’s going to matter? We are in Martial Law! Anyone, including kids, I bet, could be considered a communist and get locked up. He is considered a fugitive right now, and if they find him in your house…think about it, brother, even with all your connections, do you think your family would be spared? Are you willing to take that risk?”
“No.” My father replied annoyingly. “What am I suppose to tell his father?”
“Tell him you’ve done all you can and can do no more. This is so much more than what you owed him.”
I’ve had enough. I finally found my legs and ran straight to Shi-Xing’s room out of the sitting room. When he saw my face, he instantly knew, “You know now.”
“Why did you do it?”
“…”
“And why did you have to tell my uncle?”
“He caught on to me first; I must’ve been letting my guard down since it’s so peaceful here. He told me what had happened to my friends. He is right, though; my presence here threatens all of you. I never thought I’d be putting you all in danger before he made me realize how severe the consequences are.”
I tried to take deep breaths, but my tears still started falling out of my eyes.
“Where would you go?” I started sobbing.
“I don’t know yet.” He reached out and tried to wipe the tears off my face. His lean fingers caressed my cheek, and his melancholic eyes were glowing softly through his lens; I felt my heart pounding through my chest, I touched his hand, and he leaned in.
It was my first kiss.
08.24.1949 (Wed)
This morning, there was no morning chat with Shi-Xing. Father had arranged a transport for him at the crack of dawn. He was to go to the port, and his father had got him passage to somewhere that it was best for us not to know. “I will write you if I can,” he said to me before departing.
I felt that my heart had been torn in two, and I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Auntie A-Mei had tried to console me with my favorite red bean cake, but it no longer tasted the same. The sugar on my tongue offered a fleeing sweetness that only reminded me of the sweetness that had fled my life.
I sat on our bench until it was time for dinner.
08.25.1949 (Thu)
Bad news. Shi-Xing had been arrested. The military agents had been one step ahead of us, waiting by all the ports. They picked him up immediately.
I asked Father if they were definitely going to execute him.
“May the Universe be kind to him.” Was his reply.
I hated that, and I could feel my sorrows turned into stone and made a permanent resident in my heart.
And I feel this anger like I’ve never felt angry before, compounded with layers of powerlessness and helplessness. I was stupid and fell in love with a communist, and this is what I deserve.
09.02.1949 (Fri)
I got a letter from Shi-Xing today. It was sent from an unknown location.
I looked at the ominous letter for a long time before mustering the courage to open it. His neat handwriting on the envelope reminded me of his beautiful fingers on my cheek, and I started crying instantly.
There was only one word in his letter.
“Goodbye.”
BACKFIRE: Users Abandon TikTok
What everyday technologies did ordinary people lose access to after the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
The most dramatic loss for the ordinary person wasn’t a specific machine or a secret formula, but rather the catastrophic collapse of standardization and mass production.
If you were a peasant living in Britain or Northern Gaul around 350 AD, your quality of life was supported by a massive, interconnected global economy. You likely ate off high-quality, mass-produced ceramic plates imported from North Africa. You lived under a roof made of standardized fired clay tiles. You used metal tools made of iron smelted in industrial quantities.
By 500 AD, just a few generations later, those “everyday” technologies had vanished from the lives of ordinary people.
Here are the specific comforts that disappeared:
- High-Quality Pottery (Terra Sigillata): This is the most visible archaeological evidence of the collapse. In the Roman period, even poor households possessed Terra Sigillata—glossy, red-slip, durable tableware produced in massive factories and shipped across the empire. It was hygienic and easy to clean. After the collapse, the trade networks that made shipping heavy ceramics profitable fell apart. People went back to using crude, locally made pottery that was porous, fragile, and hard to clean, or they reverted to using wood and leather, which rot and harbor bacteria.
- Tiled Roofs: The Romans covered everything in ceramic tiles. They were heavy, waterproof, and, crucially, fireproof. To have a tiled roof, you need a nearby factory to fire them and a road network to transport them. When the economy collapsed, ordinary people lost access to fireproof roofing. Housing reverted to timber structures with thatched roofs, making catastrophic village fires a constant reality of daily life again.
- The Hypocaust (and Public Hygiene): While the average peasant didn’t have underfloor heating (hypocausts) in their own shack, they had access to it through public spaces. Roman towns were dotted with public baths that were affordable enough for almost everyone. These were marvels of hydraulic engineering and heating. When the Roman state could no longer maintain the aqueducts or pay for the massive amount of wood required to keep the fires burning, the baths went cold and then fell into ruin. The “technology” of being warm and clean in the winter was lost.
- The Iron Nail: This sounds trivial, but it represents the loss of industrial scale. At the legionary fortress of Inchtuthil in Scotland, departing Romans buried 875,000 iron nails to keep them from enemies. Iron was that abundant. Later, in the post-Roman period, iron became precious. Buildings were no longer held together by iron nails but by wooden pegs and joinery. If a building burned down, people would sift through the ashes to recover the nails—something a Roman builder would have found absurd.
- Literacy as a Utility: In the height of the Empire, literacy wasn’t just for scholars; it was for soldiers, merchants, and tradesmen. Graffiti in Pompeii shows that regular people wrote jokes, insults, and shopping lists. This was possible because of the availability of cheap papyrus imported from Egypt. When the trade routes fractured, papyrus became rare in Europe. Writing shifted to parchment (animal skin), which was astronomically expensive. As a result, writing ceased to be an everyday tool for the commoner and became the guarded reserve of the church and elite administration.
The tragedy of the fall of Rome wasn’t that people forgot how to make a tile or a good pot. The knowledge remained in pockets. What was lost was the economic complexity required to make those things cheap enough for ordinary people to afford.
When the safety of the seas and roads vanished, the cost of transport skyrocketed. A potter in Tunisia could no longer sell a bowl to a farmer in England for a few copper coins. The farmer had to make his own bowl, and the potter went out of business. The “technology” that was lost was the specialized, interconnected civilization itself.
Surviving The Next Mass Extinction: Are we too late?
Pictures
Sunset Whispers
Written in response to: “Write a story that includes the line, “Is nobody going to say it?”.“
WR Peden
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I leaned back on the warm sand, my head nestled against Alex’s shoulder. Stars twinkled above us, and the ocean rippled softly under the moonlight. Silence had become a soothing presence between us.
“Is nobody going to say it?” I broke the tranquil quiet, my voice barely more than a whisper.
Alex chuckled softly, his breath warm in the cooling air. He glanced down at me, eyebrows arched in curiosity. “Say what, Maya?” he asked gently.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked at me, his dark eyes shining under the night sky.
“You know what,” I murmured, my heart pounding. “We’ve been tiptoeing around this all day.”
He sighed, a blend of amusement and something deeper in his tone. “I think you’re right,” he said, his voice softening. “But sometimes, what’s left unsaid speaks the loudest.”
Biting my lower lip, I turned my gaze to the water, watching the waves gently crash against the shore. “I don’t want to ruin this, Alex,” I confessed, my voice unsteady. “I’m scared—scared of losing what we have.”
His hand found mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “You’re not going to lose me, Maya. I’m here for you,” Alex assured me, his voice steady and sincere.
I glanced at him, taking in the way his dark hair tousled in the ocean breeze, the softness of his jawline, the warmth of his smile. I had always valued our friendship, but lately, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt towards him.
“I know you are, Alex. And that’s what makes this so hard,” I said, drawing my knees up to my chest. “But what if this—what we have—is worth exploring?”
“Maybe I’ve trusted my instincts before, and they’ve never let me down,” I added, feeling a surge of courage despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
Alex looked intently at me before responding. “I’ve thought about it too, Maya. You’re my best friend, and I don’t want to ruin that. But if there’s something more, something that we could have together, I don’t want to deny it,” he confided.
My heart leapt at his words, but I was determined to keep my nerves at bay. “I feel the same way, Alex, but we need to be cautious. I don’t want to lose what we have, either.”
He nodded slowly, his gaze locked on mine. The wind picked up, sending loose strands of my hair flying across my face. Alex gently tucked them behind my ear, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
“It’s worth the risk, isn’t it?” he whispered. “Every moment with you is worth it to me, Maya.”
A smile slowly spread across my lips, the warmth of his hand still lingering on my cheek. I knew there were risks involved in exploring this new facet of our relationship, but I couldn’t ignore the spark between us.
“I want to be brave too, Alex. I want to be brave for us,” I confessed, feeling a newfound sense of strength surge through me.
He returned my smile, his dark eyes locking onto mine, a blend of surprise and wonder swirling within them.
The air between us seemed to pulsate with electricity, as if a long-dormant spark had finally ignited. Our bond had always been strong, but now it felt as though we were daring to envision a future both thrilling and frightening.
Breathing deeply, I leaned closer to him, basking in the warmth of his embrace. His gentle hands stroked my back, sending shivers of excitement through my body. We sat there in silence, a comfortable and tender silence that conveyed more than words ever could.
“Maya?” he whispered, his voice barely holding steady.
A surge of emotion overwhelmed me, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes. I squeezed his hand tightly, conveying my understanding and empathy without words.
I was all too familiar with the fear of vulnerability, of exposing ourselves to potential pain or rejection. Yet, the intricate dance between us convinced me the risk might be worth taking.
I leaned back and gazed at the night sky, offering him a small, knowing smile. “I feel like I’ve been running away from this for so long,” I confessed. “But I want to be brave and take a leap of faith for us, too.”
Alex caressed my cheek and leaned in, pressing his lips gently against mine. I closed my eyes, savoring the tingling sensation spreading throughout my body. We kissed slowly, tenderly, exploring this newfound intimacy.
Laughter suddenly shattered the tranquility.
It was Ava, my childhood friend, appearing from nowhere. Alex and I pulled away, faces flushed, turning towards her.
She twirled on the beach, her short blonde hair catching the moonlight. It had been so long since I’d seen her, and her arrival made me question everything.
“Maya!” Ava shouted, sprinting towards us and enveloping me in a tight hug.
I returned her embrace, a pang of unease gnawing at my stomach. “Ava, it’s so good to see you!” I exclaimed with a smile, masking my inner turmoil.
Alex stood, brushing the sand from his pants. “Ava, haven’t seen you in ages! It’s great to see you again,” he said warmly.
Ava released me and smiled at Alex. “I’ve missed you two, but I’m glad you’re finally taking a chance on each other,” she remarked, her tone playful.
My heart raced as Alex and I exchanged nervous glances, unsure how to reply.
Ava pulled up a worn picnic blanket beside us, its ivy print frayed in places, and plopped down, crossing her legs. “I’ve heard some rumors about you two making moves towards each other. I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said, her tone light and curious.
I glanced at Alex, biting my lower lip, unsure of what to say. I didn’t want to lie to Ava, but couldn’t expose my insecurities either.
“We’ve been exploring our feelings for each other, yes,” Alex said, taking my hand.
Relief washed over me at his honest words.
Ava giggled, clapping her hands. “I knew it! I always thought you two should give it a try!” she exclaimed. My heart pounded as I tried to collect my thoughts.
Alex held me closely, whispering in my ear, “We’re just figuring things out.”
Trying to calm myself, I smiled at Alex. “I appreciate that, Alex. And your honesty,” I said softly.
Ava began chatting about a recent trip to Spain, and I was grateful for the distraction.
As night fell, Alex started a small fire beside the blanket, and we roasted marshmallows. The flames’ warmth felt soothing, and I leaned against Alex as we shared stories and memories with Ava.
The wind picked up, rustling the leaves louder. I shivered, pulling my sweater tighter. Noticing, Alex draped his jacket around my shoulders. I thanked him, enjoying the warmth and closeness.
Ava, seemingly unfazed by the chill, continued regaling us with travel tales. But eventually, her laughter faded, and she stared out at the ocean, her gaze distant and thoughtful.
“What’s on your mind, Ava? You seem a thousand miles away,” I said, feeling the warmth of Alex’s jacket.
Ava sighed, looking our way. “I’ve seen so many amazing things, met so many people, but sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I’d stayed where people truly understood me, like you guys.”
Alex smiled, squeezing my knee gently. “You have a lot of wisdom for someone who’s only twenty-seven,” he said, his voice full of emotion.
My heart swelled with warmth. Questions raced through my mind—what would the future hold for us? But I tried to focus on the present, hoping clarity would come with time.
Ava’s eyes shifted back to us, bright in the firelight. “I’ve missed our adventures and late-night heart-to-hearts.”
I didn’t want Ava to feel neglected because of my growing relationship with Alex. She needed attention and companionship too.
Leaning towards her, I smiled encouragingly. “Don’t worry, Ava. We have plenty of time for adventures and heart-to-hearts. We’re just navigating some new feelings right now. We’ll get through it together, like always. Okay?”
Tears filled Ava’s eyes as she hugged me tightly. “I’m so happy for you, Maya,” she whispered.
Grateful for her support, I felt a twinge of guilt. Alex and I needed to figure things out, but I didn’t want to lose Ava’s friendship.
As the night grew colder, we said our goodbyes, looking forward to future adventures. Alex and I walked hand in hand towards the parking lot, our footsteps soft on the dry sand.
My heart was full of curiosity, nervousness, and warmth. Alex broke the comfortable silence. “Would you like to grab coffee tomorrow? We could talk more,” he suggested, squeezing my hand.
My heart skipped a beat. “Sure, I’d love that,” I said, the taste of s’mores lingering.
Back at my quaint beach cottage, anticipation filled me. I crossed my fingers, silently thanking the universe for the potential blessing with Alex.
I pondered what was to come as I threw myself onto my bed. Moonlight streamed in, casting a ghostly blue tint. Reflecting on my connection with Alex—our friendship, our bond, and this newfound intimacy—I felt both exhilarated and unnerved.
Grabbing my journal, I poured my heart onto its pages. Every stroke of ink protected my fragmented heart. I narrated the beach encounter with Alex and our evolving bond, hoping the warmth we shared would never fade.
The words flowed, staining the pages with emotion. I explored my feelings, dissecting the complex layers unfurling.
My heart raced with adrenaline. The excitement was tinged with worry. The thought of change sent an icy shiver through my bones.
Alex, my friend and confidante—how would things evolve? Would we drift apart if our feelings intensified?
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
An easy slow cooker chili recipe with Ground Beef, beans, tomato sauce, and the best homemade chili seasoning. It putters away in the slow cooker for the juiciest beef and rich flavor.
Thank you to on behalf of the Beef Checkoff for sponsoring this Slow Cooker Chili recipe. I received compensation, but all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
The Best Way to Cook Chili:
Slow Cooking chili is a classic way to cook chili. It’s the easiest chili because you can set it and forget it and this is how the award-winning chilis are achieved. The low and slow cooking process melds the flavors of the chili seasoning into every bite and the beef becomes so tender, juicy, and irresistible. You can slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili:
- Ground Beef – no other protein does it quite like beef and tastes amazing. We use lean (90/10 or 93/7) to eliminate the need to spoon out excess fat. If yours has a higher fat content, you can spoon out the excess fat when it renders in the skillet.
- Onion – we love a generous amount of onion because it adds amazing sweet notes to the chili and disappears into the chili as it slow cooks.
- Beans – you can change up the beans based on what you have on hand, but the classic beans for chili are kidney beans (we love dark red), and black beans. Be sure to rinse and drain the beans in a colander for the best chili consistency and color.
- Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – We love the combination of canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) as well as tomato sauce to give the chili a saucy consistency with great texture. For added flavor, we add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilis.
- Chili Seasoning – we make a simple homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Do you Prefer a Spicy Chili?
To keep it kid-friendly, this classic chili is mild and not spicy. If you prefer a spicy chili, you can either add hot sauce to your bowl when serving or if you want the entire batch to be spicier, add an extra tablespoon of Chili Powder and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Cayenne Pepper to give it a spicy kick.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili:
Making chili in the slow cooker doesn’t get any easier. It’s as simple as browning the beef and onions then adding all of the canned ingredients to the slow cooker and turning it on. If you have a multicooker with a slow cooker function, you can saute and slow cook all in the same pot.
- SAUTE the beef and onions in a skillet then add garlic and seasonings to the pan.
- TRANSFER the beef mixture to a 6 Qt Slow Cooker.
- ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS – rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato sauce.
- SLOW COOK – cover and set slow cooker on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours then season more to taste if needed.
Our Favorite Chili Toppings:
We love to serve this family-style where everyone can build their own chili bowls with the toppings they love. Toppings can vary based on what we have in the fridge, but these are our favorite toppings for chili –
- Cheese – mild cheddar is the classic choice, but Mexican shredded cheese works equally well
- Onion – chopped green or red onion adds a fresh pop of color and flavor
- Avocado – because we can’t help putting avocado on everything, especially chili.
- Cilantro – for garnish and adding fresh flavor
- Sour cream – balances the dish (especially great when chili is served over a baked potato)
- Sliced jalapenos – you can use any hot pepper for a spicy kick
How to Serve Chili:
Chili keeps really well in the refrigerator so we love to get creative with leftovers. There are so many ways to serve classic chili and really it can be served almost any time of day. Some of our favorites include:
- Chili Cheese Dip – Sprinkle chili with cheddar cheese and serve as an appetizer with tortilla chips.
- Chili Dogs – Top a hot dog with chili and shredded cheese to transform it into a chili cheese dog.
- Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes – topping a baked potato with hot chili is a delicious gluten-free option and fun way to serve a crowd.
- In a Bowl – loaded with all of the toppings and tortilla chips or pita chips on the side (this is our family favorite)!
Why We Love This Family Friendly Dinner:
With so many families staying home together now, juggling homeschool, and cooking more than ever, it’s a great time to get kids in the kitchen and teach them through cooking. This slow cooker beef chili is a great way to teach your children cooking skills. Children can learn:
- Food safety tips like washing hands after handling raw meat
- The importance of using separate plates and utensils for raw and ready to eat foods to prevent cross-contamination
- How to measure spices and weigh ingredients
If you let kids help with preparing the meal, they are more likely to enjoy eating it. It also makes for a memorable photo-op moment!
More Beef Recipes You Will Love:
- Juicy Burgers – the secret to perfect burgers
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry – with the best sauce
- Quick Beef Chili – an easy 30-minute recipe
- Beef Stroganoff – classic and packed with flavor
- Beef Tenderloin – incredibly juicy and tender
- Easy Meatloaf – with the best glaze
Get the print-friendly recipe below for this Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili.
Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef, (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
-
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.
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Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly. Transfer to a 6 Qt slow cooker.
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Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Per Serving
What should you avoid doing when trying to get served at a UK pub?
To the uninitiated, the bar counter of a busy British pub on a Friday night looks like anarchy. There are no ticket numbers, no velvet ropes, and often no visible line. However, do not be fooled by the visual chaos: you are looking at one of the most sophisticated, self-policing queuing systems on Earth.
The bar staff are keeping a complex mental tally of exactly who arrived when, and the patrons are silently enforcing a social contract to ensure fair play. If you violate the rules of this invisible queue, you will find yourself unintentionally invisible to the bartender.
Here is what you must avoid to ensure you actually get a pint.
Do not wave money or click your fingers
This is the cardinal sin. In some countries, holding up cash signals intent to buy. In a UK pub, waving a banknote, clicking your fingers, or shouting “Barman!” is interpreted as a grave insult. It implies the staff are incompetent or ignoring you.
- The consequence: The bartender sees you, but they will deliberately serve three or four people who arrived after you before they acknowledge your existence.
- The correct behavior: Stand at the bar, make brief eye contact with the staff, and then wait. holding your wallet or card visibly in your hand (at chest level, not waved in the air) is a subtle enough signal that you are ready to pay.
Do not try to form a single-file line
Unless it is a very quiet Tuesday afternoon, British pub-goers do not queue in a single file behind one person. This is inefficient as it utilizes only two feet of a twenty-foot bar.
- The correct behavior: You are expected to “belly up.” Find a gap at the counter and fill it. If you stand six feet back behind someone else, the bartender assumes you are not ordering but merely chatting with the person in front of you. You must establish a presence at the wood.
Do not order a Guinness last
If your order includes a Guinness (or any stout requiring a two-part pour), you must order it first.
- The reason: A proper Guinness takes roughly 119.5 seconds to pour. The bartender pours three-quarters of the glass, lets it settle, and then tops it up. If you order a lager, a wine, and then a Guinness, the bartender has to stand there idly watching the stout settle.
- The correct behavior: Say, “A pint of Guinness, please,” wait for them to start the pour and walk away, and then list the rest of your drinks. By the time the other drinks are ready, the Guinness will be settled and ready for the top-up.
Do not display indecision at the front
The time to browse the selection of tap handles is while you are waiting, not when the bartender asks, “What can I get you?”
- The consequence: If you get the bartender’s attention and then turn to your friends and ask, “Dave, what did you want again?”, the bartender will immediately move to the next person. In a busy pub, the service window is open for about three seconds. If you miss it, you go to the back of the mental rotation.
Do not pay for drinks individually
If you are with a group of four, do not order four separate drinks and pay with four separate cards. This grinds the service to a halt and infuriates the people waiting behind you.
- The correct behavior: Buy “rounds.” One person buys for the whole group. The next time the glasses are empty, a different person goes to the bar. It is faster, more social, and keeps the invisible queue moving.
Getting served in a UK pub is mostly about projecting an aura of patient readiness. If you are polite, know what you want, and respect the geometry of the bar, the staff will eventually give you the nod.