Oh yes, one more thing. If you want thicker chili, here is my secret. I cannot stand the taste of raw flour, and find arrowroot and corn starch too finicky. What I use to thicken soups, stews, and chili is potato flakes. As far as I am concerned, I would rather starve that eat "instant mashed potatoes" , however as a thickening agent they work wonders. You can add a couple of tablespoons, stir, within a minute you know if that is enough or to add more. You can't taste it and the texture it adds is perfect. -- Andie Paysinger & the PENDRAGON Basenjis,Teafer,Cheesy,Singer & Player asenji@earthlink.net So. Calif. USA "In the face of adversity, be patient, in the face of a basenji, be prudent, be canny, be on your guard!" http://home.earthlink.net/~asenji/