I don't know about wine with mushrooms...though it definitely sounds like an idea worth stealing. :)

As for the meat for chili...I don't know what your dad did, obviously, but here's one easy way to get some extra taste. Take about half of whatever dry spices (non-salt) you use, and stir them into the ground/chopped meat beforehand with just a bit (tablespoon or less per pound) of lite olive oil (teaspoon or less if you use a darker oil). And let it sit for 30 minutes or more before you add it to the pot.

Another trick is to never add the meat until it is at or close to room temp. Obviously you never want to leave it out too long, especially with something like chicken, but letting it warm a bit releases something or other and you get more flavor from whatever meat you're using.

Originally Posted by: Wade 

Dang Wade, that is very impressive. I salute you sir. 👍

Best that I can do is a few creative things with MRE's.

Originally Posted by: Gilligan 

I really like good pasta dishes. Fettuccine Alfredo, Beef Stroganoff, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Lasagna, etc. Rice or potato dishes run a close second.

What many of us need however are some good vegetable dishes. A succotash(corn, diced tomatoes, & butter beans) , or maybe String Beans seasoned with pork , or a nice pot of Collard Greens . Maybe Corn Cornbread(made with creamed corn) , a real treat served hot with real Butter.

And never forget to make that Ice-Tea well ahead of time so it can get cold in the Refrigerator. 👍

Originally Posted by: Smokey