Genesis turns Seven and Fabulous Homemade Hotdog Chili!

This weekend, my daughter celebrated her 7th birthday.  She had the pleasure of having a Springtime Birthday with 'white icing' provided by the latest Winter storm.  Festivities were originally planned for the patio under the sun, but we opted for a small dinner/party celebration instead.  Regardless of the weather, Genesis and her guests had a wonderful time, as did I because she was smiling and happy.  The menu was a simple, kid friendly one with bite-sized this and hand-held thats.  Hotdogs were of course on this particular menu for obvious reasons, and I made chili to give them personality.  Aside from the dogs, I made pizza sliders to be served along side the Strawberry Shortcake themed cake, ice cream, chips and cheesy dip, fruit punch, Gen's new favorite fruit, Cuties (California Mandarins) and a special new appetizer for the adults.  
The featured chili recipe is one that is a variation of another recipe I have that made waves with the big kids who attended.  Again, I utilize the hot pepper paste from blogs prior, to help with sparking your own personal ideas.   Adding the homemade touch of chili, really took the hotdogs from ordinary to extraordinary.  The recipe for the wonderful appetizers will be coming up this week also.
Recipe:
1 1/2 lbs. fresh ground beef
1/2 small onion, grated
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 soft  beef bouillon cube, optional
1/2 c. good quality ketchup plus 1/3 c. water
1/4 c. chunky medium salsa
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. steak sauce
1 tbsp. hot pepper paste
2 tsp. horseradish mustard
brown sugar to taste
SPST
In a heavy bottomed pot or skillet, brown beef with onion, garlic and bouillon, using a potato masher to break into small granules.  Once browned, drain off excess fats and add remaining ingredients.
Bring up to boil and reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes, until desired consistency. SPST