• If you're looking for a way to add some zing to your bowl of chili, try adding hot sauce, chili pepper, or cayenne pepper. But be careful, a little goes a long way!

• Like your chili on the sweeter side? Consider adding ketchup, brown sugar, or tomato paste.

• When preparing chili for a crowd, don't forget the toppings. Set out shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips or crackers, sour cream, and scallions and let everyone personalize their own bowls.

• Dish up a steaming bowl of chili with corn tortillas on the side. Or serve chili over bite-sized pieces of cornbread.