Fall Makes Me Crave Chili....

Fall Troop Camp, October 2012

Wow has it really been nearly a month since I've posted.  Things here were in high Girl Scout mode as I took my troop on their first camping adventure.  It was a success and a great time had by all!  Troop Leader Donna even survived the hike just 7 weeks after having knee surgery.  Here is my awesome crew at the Archery Range.  I am so proud of my girls jumping in and wanting to help and try new things. 

It was the perfect Fall Weekend!

Speaking of Fall....  One of my favorite meals is Crockpot Chili and have I got a recipe to share with you.  I orginally got this from Kraft Foods quarterly magazine and I've been making it for years.  I've adapted it a bit over time, as most of us do with a beloved recipe.  I even won 2nd place in a Chili Cookoff at church one year.  The great thing was, I was the only one with corn in my chili....well the following year at least five people added corn.  It really is the perfect complement.  You can link to the Kraft Foods recipe from here  http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/slow-cooker-hearty-beef-chili-111270.aspx for the original recipe.  Below is my adaptation.

Here are the ingredients...

1 lb.  lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 can (16 oz.)  dark red kidney beans, rinsed

1 can (16 oz.)  light red kidney beans, rinsed

1 can (16 oz.)  black beans, rinsed

2 cans  (15 oz.)  tomato sauce

1 can (14.5oz.) petite diced tomatoes or 1 jar (16 oz.) of Mild Salsa

1 cup  frozen corn

2 tbsp chili powder

Brown ground beef, sautee in onion and garlic, drain.  Add meat mixture to crockpot, add in canned indegrents.  Stir in chili powder and frozen corn.  Cook on high for 4 -5 hours or low for 5-6 hours.  Serve topped with mild cheddar shredded cheese and oyster crackers.  Enjoy!

Looking for a meatless alternative.  I have sauteed the onion and garlic with my diced tomatoes, then just follow the rest of the cooking directions.  Makes for a great vegetarian option.

I am so excited!  This what's cooking in my crockpot right now.  House smells YUMMY!  Can't wait for my dear hubby to get home so we can enjoy one of our all time fall favorites.

Have a blessed day!

Donna