Cook of the Week
by Nathan Straus

Shannan Bryant

Shannan Bryant has lived in Tyler since she was 14.

"I love Tyler," Bryant said.

Born in Pasadena, Shannan married Ray Bryant and they have two kids. She works at the Rose Lawn Memorial Park.

One of her favorite activities is cooking chili. Very much an outdoors person, Shannan has been to a few chili cook-offs just this year.

"We'll make it this year," Shannan said of her team, "Whatever Floats Your Boat".

She joined the chili cooking crew through the Tyler Jaycees, and it is an organization she is very active in.

"On our second go-around cooking chili we made it to the finalist table," Shannan said.

The team was present at the recent chili cook-off in Chandler on Saturday, April 26.

She joined the team a little over a month ago.

Whatever Floats Your Boat, Shannan said, is a two-time Terlingua championship team.

"Our team does a lot," Shannan said.

Bryant also enjoys camping and hanging out with her kids.

In addition to the Tyler Jayces, Shannan is also involved with the Festival in the Square event, as well as the Boy Scouts organization. She is with Pack 369.

Herself a fan of the fine art of fixing up chili, Shannan was ready to provide recipes for preparing the hot meal. These recipes are simple and easy to prepare.
Beef Chili
2 tbsp light chili powder
2 tbsp dark chili powder
2 pounds hamburger meat
1 tbsp Cumin
‰ tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
‰ can tomato paste
1 tbsp onion powder
‰ tsp garlic

If extra spiciness is desired, a whole jalapeæo can be added.

Brown the meat first, draining the grease. Add all the ingredients together. Any desired spices can be added to taste.
Beef and Chicken Chili
1 can tomato sauce
‰ can tomato paste
2 beef bouillon cubes
3 chicken bouillon cubes
‰ cup chopped onions
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp onion powder
1 garlic, chopped
4 tbsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the ingredients together and heat, stirring occasionally.