Ok, I know what you’re thinking. If you are from the Cincinnati area, you’re thinking, “Mmmmm, three-ways!” And if you’re from anywhere else, you’re thinking, “I didn’t think this was that kind of blog.”

Well, stop. This blog post is not about the topic addressed in Britney’s “3” (although, given her passion for junk food, I think she’d be a fan of this as well). This is about a magical food item that is ubiquitous in the home of Ochocinco.

I recommend you start with a can of real Cincinnati chili — Dixie, Gold Star or Skyline. Any kind will do, but Cincinnati chili has a distinct flavor (sort of like a mole sauce, with cinnamon and sometimes a little unsweetened chocolate) and no beans.

You’ll also need plain spaghetti and some shredded cheddar cheese. You can even use the pre-shredded kind for this if you want. But that’s about it. The whole endeavor takes about 10 minutes.

And if you’re still thinking it’s weird… consider spaghetti with meat sauce. This is almost the same thing. Just cheesier.

Cincinnati three-way (serves 1-2)
1 can Cincinnati-style chili
Uncooked spaghetti
Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
Oyster crackers (optional)

Cook spaghetti in a pot of salted, boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile, heat chili in a separate saucepan over medium heat, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Drain spaghetti when ready, then divide among bowls. Top with a generous helping of chili and as much shredded cheese as desired. Sprinkle with oyster crackers, if using, and serve.

Options:
Four-way: Add diced onions or cooked beans on top of chili, then top with cheese
Five-way: Add beans and onions, then top with cheese
Six-way: Add beans and onions, then top with cheese and chopped garlic