I did my usual trip to the grocery store with a major Jones for some red chili. Like, real, spicy, beany red chili. I have funny memories of chili, and I think Skylar’s birthday party yesterday triggered something in my memory. When I was a little girl, my birthday parties were “chili parties.” My mom would make HUGE pots of different varieties of chili (usually meat, vegetarian, and different spice levels) and her friends, and my friends parents would enjoy it while I opened presents. We joked later that it’s nearly impossible to make a small batch of chili. I cook my chili by sight and smell, and not by scientific amounts. I did my best to measure stuff today to share with you, but my best advice? Season to your own tastes!

Killer Chili

Topped with reduced fat cheddar, fat free sour cream, and 1/4 of an avocado

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef , turkey, or meat substitute

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 Tbsp. minced garlic

2 29 oz. cans crushed tomatoes

1 29 oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained

1 29 oz. can light red kidney beans, drained

1 14.5 oz. can Ro-Tel

1 14.5 oz. can salt-free corn, or same amount corn kernels

1/4 c. hot chili powder

pinch red pepper flakes

salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add garlic, onion, and pepper, and cook until onion is translucent. Add your protein and brown thoroughly. Add all ingredients except the corn, bring to a simmer, and then reduce heat to low. Cook about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the corn, stir well, and cook until the corn is heated through. Serve!

I love topping my chili with a myriad of things, including avocado. This is something I learned from one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants near where I grew up: Blind Faith Cafe. They top their vegetarian chili with soy cheese and avocado, and I just LOVE it! In addition, the extra little bit of fat helped me be completely satisfied with my one bowl of chili, as opposed to my usual two. I highly recommend it!

NOW, as promised! The winners of the foodie charms are, as decided by random.org:

AND

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Email me with your snail mail addresses and your choice of charm and method of hanging (pendant or cell phone charm) and they’ll be on their way, perhaps with other treats!

Didn’t win?? You can purchase your own charms by going here and filling out the form!

Thank you so much for reading this marathon post!!! I don’t think I’ve EVER written this much!
HUGE hugs and positive thoughts going out to my friend Meghan, who’s in labor AS I WRITE THIS!!!! LOVE YOU MEGS!!!!

If you’re seriously STILL reading, thank you!

Have a great night and a fantastic Tuesday!

Tagged as: friends, giveaway, Mexican, spicy