Showing posts with label autumn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autumn. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Tasty Tuesday: Chili


Nothing welcomes in the fall like a big simmering pot of chili! I grew up without even knowing that you could purchase chili in a can; My mom's homemade chili was delicious and nothing could warm you up on a cold night quite like it. I still love homemade chili. I do not make it exactly like my mom's I am sure...after all, she never followed a recipe. And I have learned a way to cheat just a little without affecting the taste at all. I use a convenient package of spices instead of measuring them out myself. It saves me a little time measuring and replenishing my spices. But the end result is still a wonderful, flavorful, thick bowl of chili.

Chili

1 box Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit
2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 lb. flank steak, cubed
2 cans Chili Beans
2 cans diced tomatoes, chili style
1 can tomato sauce
1 medium white onion, diced
14 oz. water, use an empty can

In a large pot, brown meat and onion over low heat. If you use very lean beef, you will not need to drain it and it will retain more flavor.

 Open the Chili Kit and add the Chili seasoning, salt and cayenne packets to the browned beef. Use the cayenne according to how hot you want your chili. I use the entire packet for moderate heat. Stir well and add the  tomato sauce. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes. Add chili beans, tomatoes, and about 2/3 of the can of water to beef. Simmer for 1/2 to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste.

 About 15 minutes before serving add the masa flour if a thicker chili is desired. To do this mix the remaining water and masa flour together to make a slurry. Add this to the chili and stir well. It will thicken the chili. 

You can add and subtract to this recipe depending on your tastes. Add bell pepper, remove the onion, more cayenne, no beans, etc. Serve with whatever chili fixings you like. Green onion, sour cream, cheese, and Frito's are my favorites!

Bon appetit ~Marla

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Tasty Tuesday: A Few of My Favorite Things

Finally the weather is turning cooler here in Kansas! After a very long and very hot summer it feels fantastic. I am finally starting to think it is time for cool weather food, comfort food. One nice thing about living in a four season part of the world is that the foods change along with the seasons. Here are a few of my favorite foods for this time of the year.


You can't go wrong with Chili, and I learned from the best! My mom's chili was always delicious. 


Bread Pudding is something I love to make in the fall...and so easy to make.


Chicken and Noodles...though I grew up with Rabbit and Noodles. Nice and yellow from mom's homemade egg noodles. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.


Sauerkraut and Sausage...yeah we had a little German influence in our family.


Homemade Pumpkin Pie. I am a purist here...it has to be the traditional recipe made with sweetened condensed milk!


Corn and Potato Chowder. Wonderful on those really cold nights.


Apple Crisp. I am not such a big Apple Pie fan...but crisps and cobblers I love!


So enjoy the change in weather, and don't forget the Apple Cider!


Bon appetit ~Marla