Everyone has their own chili recipe or a variation of someone else's. Heck, there are probably already TWO on this site that could be just like this one. I have been making this chili for more than 25 years. The ingredients have been tweaked here and there over the years until I found just the right flavor and this is it! All I know is when I make a pot of this chili, there are never any leftovers. Like any recipe, if you leave out or change an ingredient, it doesn't come out the same way. Try it this way, then go ahead and create your own version. If you like your chili really hot, instead of hot sauce use Recipe #88224. But most of all just ENJOY IT!