You know it's a cold day in Kentucky

when I actually post a recipe. But because Cate and Farmwife asked so nicely, here is the soup. It's not so much a recipe as a bunch of can opening and dumping:

Ingredients:
2 cans sweet whole kernel corn
2 cans Northern beans
2 cans Bush's mild chili beans
1 can diced basil/oregano/garlic tomatoes
1 can Rotel milder tomatoes
1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix

Mix all ingredients in large pot (yes, we actually own a large pot) and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 30 minutes or more. This can also be done for 7-9 hours* in a crock pot (and now we own a crock pot or "slow cooker") on low. Convince your beloved to open all of the cans. (Most community recycling centers to take steel cans, so please recycle, reduce, reuse.) Just dump all ingredients and stir and cover.

Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips. (You can never go wrong with a recipe that calls for the previous three items.)

You may vary the "hot" factor of this soup by choosing a hotter chili bean, taco seasoning and/or tomatoes.

I brought the leftovers in for my co-workers. I will provide rave reviews and/or a summary of any gagging and spitting.

*Ours cooked in much less time.