Esoteric thumbs

I tried this recipe last night and it was good! Kinda reminded me of Real Chili
in Milwaukee... gosh, I didn't know that place was so unique!
Anyway, I made some mods, but of course. Halved it, and used Boca ground beef.

Red Bean Chili

2 pkts Boca ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T oil
1/2 C water
1/2 t onion soup mix
2 T chili powder
1 1/2 t cumin
1 1/2 t cocoa powder
1 C diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 t salt
1 t cider vinegar

Saute onions, then Boca, then garlic.
Add 1/2 C water mixed with 1/2 t onion soup mix (I used this instead of veg broth).
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cocoa and tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 10m.
Add the beans, salt and vinegar, mix well. Simmer uncovered 10m.

I don't think the 10m has to be done twice, really, as we're not dealing with real meat here folks. So this was a quick meal that was satisfying!
Next time I'll try it with beer instead of water/broth.

Finished The Protector's War- yes, there is a sequel, something something Fire. Will have to see if our library has it. Can't wait, now I'm all invested in these characters.
Started Jumpfish, about someone from Atlantis. It's nice in the sense that it's not so gripping that I want to read and read, so I can actually put it down (and knit!).

Started messing around with the thumb part of my pattern, thought I could improve it, but I don't think I've invented anything new, alas. Thought I had this clever way of doing it differently, but actually, what I have works best. I guess I could pick up the wraps or something, but now that I'm wrapping the wraps tighter, it doesn't show as much (the wraps). Esoteric enough for you?