Chili and Kiddies

Since the weekend was going to be so cold and snowy.  Saturday's menu schedule called for Comfort Food. I decided that I would make Chili from "The Pioneer Woman Cookbook."

I made the chili first thing in the morning because we had a busy day ahead of us and I was hoping to play with the kids in the snow.

Ballerina has dance class in the morning and for some reason Speed Racer and I were moving very slowly so Tommy took Ballerina to dance.

Speed Racer and I stayed home got ready for the day, packed up and our snacks and our lunch. (Remember January is a NO eat out month).

Speed Racer and I made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He washed the apples and cut them up. He packed everything up in our lunch bag cooler. It was so nice to have 1 on 1 time with him. He started out being SUPER cranky and whiny. I guess just spending some quiet time at home with one parent did wonders for him.

Once Tommy and Ballerina came home we loaded into the car and headed to Border's. Tommy has some gift cards that was burning a hole in his pocket. We spent some time there and then headed to BJ's to pick up a few things we needed for the house.

The kids had a birthday party so we were at the party for awhile!! It was fun!!

When we came home we went in the backyard to go sleigh riding. For some reason the kids think it's cool to go sleigh riding in the dark. We had so much fun!!! The kids and I took turn go down the little hill. Tommy stood at the bottom of the hill to make sure we didn't crash into any of the trees!!!

Once we were done playing outside we came in and enjoyed the chili that I had made earlier in the day.

Pioneer Woman Cookbook

Ingredients:

2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 pounds ground beef (I USED GROUND TURKEY)
One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup masa (corn flour, found in Mexican food section of many supermarkets) (I COULDN'T FIND THIS SO I USED CORN STARCH)
Optional Ingredients:
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (I  DID NOT USE THIS)
1 can diced tomatoes and chilies (I use the Rotel brand)
For Serving:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped onion
Fritos

Preparation:

Begin by measuring the spices: chopped garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne, and chili powder.

Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook the meat until brown

Pour in the tomato sauce. Followed by the spices and the salt.

Stir together well, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add in ½ cup water at a time as needed.

After an hour, place the masa in a small bowl. Add ½ cup water and stir together with a fork.

Dump the masa mixture into the chili. (AGAIN I USED CORN STARCH)

Stir together well. Taste, adjust the seasonings, and add more masa paste and/or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor. Add the beans, jalapeño, and tomatoes if desired. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve with shredded cheddar, chopped onion, and Fritos.

Our Reviews:

Me- I thought this was the best chili I've had in a while.

Tommy- Awesome one of the best chili I've had. (I'm thinking really? what about the chili I made two weeks ago) LOL!!

Speed Racer he ate it and liked it even though it was spicy.

Ballerina enjoyed the chips that we served with the chili. She would not eat the chili.

We enjoyed the leftover today for lunch!! I will be making this again soon!! Next time I will make my guacamole!!!

The kids have a new obsession.

I'll give you a hint he is red and blue.

If you guessed Superman you are so WRONG!!

If you guessed Spiderman then you are so RIGHT!!!

S

Image by My Movie Wallpaper

Ballerina is so obsessed with him. Speed Racer is training to be Spiderman. He is trying to climb up walls and the stair banisters. When they play all they play is Spiderman.

Ballerina has been spelling her name and the name Olivia.

Speed Racer is into not wearing his shirt around the house because he can show off his muscles better!! (Oy Vey)

The kids are too funny!!! Everyday I sit here and laugh at them. Then I get yelled at for laughing at them! Oh well!!!