Superbowl Chili Beans

Who doesn't love a good bowl of chili beans?  It's one of my favorite meals and is so simple to make.  I love anything that goes in the crock pot.  I've tried making these stove top and they just don't taste the same.  They need those hours of slow cooking so that the flavors can really get to know each other and blend together. 

 2lbs browned hamburger meat

3 cans petite diced tomatoes (I get 2 cans with jalapenos and 1 can plain)

3 cans kidney beans

2 packs McCormick's Chili Seasoning (I use mild)

Add everything to crockpot and cook on low 4-6 hours.

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, crackers, corn chips, etc.

What I Wore...

Sweater - NY&Co

Pants - Gap

Scarf - Dillards (there is no brand tag)

Belt - Target

Shoes - Michelle D from Macy's

White Bean Chicken Chili

I can't take credit for this recipe.  I got it from Mom.  Every time I make it for someone, they ask for the recipe.  It's a great, low fat stew for a cold January night (although I do make it anytime of year because I just love it so much).  The recipe is for the stove top, but I have made mine in the crock pot and let it cook for a few hours.  Just don't cook it too long or the beans will turn to mush.  I always cook my chicken in the crockpot either overnight or for 8 hours during the day.  I add 4 frozen chicken breasts, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, and cover with water.  This makes the chicken easier to shred, and I prefer shredded to chopped chicken.

4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or chopped (save all broth)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, chopped or minced

1 tsp cumin

2 chicken bouillon cubes

2 cans navy beans

2 cans Northern Beans

2 cans white shoepeg corn

2-3 tbsp chopped jalapeno pepper

1/2 small red pepper, chopped

 

In frying pan, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chopped red pepper.  Cook until  garlic and pepper are softened.

Dissolve 2 chicken bouillon cubes in 1 cup chicken broth.  Save.

In soup pot combine all beans (in their juice), corn, jalapeno, and contents of the frying pan.  Add the chicken.  Mix well and add the 1 cup broth with bouillon.  Mix well.  Add more broth to preferred thickness.  Salt and pepper according to taste.  Let simmer about 15 minutes or until warm.

Picture courtesy of

www.inspiredtocook.com

Oreo Balls

These Oreo Balls are always a hit.  If you haven't tried one, you have no idea what you are missing.   They are so easy to make and are pretty inexpensive, too.  The hardest part is the dipping, but the perk is that you get to eat a few along the way.  Enjoy!

 
Oreo Balls

1 (18oz) pkg oreo cookies
1 (8oz) pkg softened cream cheese
1 pkg almond bark
1 pkg milk chocolate chips

Crush the oreo cookies (filling and all) in a blender or food processor until fine crumbs.  Add cream cheese and combine with a hand mixer until well blended.  Roll into walnut size balls and refrigerate for at least an hour. 

Melt the almont bark in the microwave and dip each ball with a toothpick.  Set to dry on waxed paper. 

Melt milk chocolate chips and drizzle over the top.

Yummmy!

Today I Wore...

      

Cardi- Apt 9 from Kohl's

Shirt- Old Navy

Pants - NY&Co

Shors- Allegria

Orange Push Up Smoothies

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Photo and Recipe Courtesy of

www.loveveggiesandyoga.com

Last night I made these smoothies for an after-dinner snack and they were terriffic!  I did have to tweak the recipe just a little.  The one on the website left the smoothies tasting a little too sour for our taste.  The website claims these smoothies taste just like our old childhood favorite, the Push-Up.  It's true!  They were so yummy!

  You remember these????

Orange Push-Up Smoothie (Vegan, Gluten Free)

1 can orange juice concentrate, slightly thawed
1 1/2 cup milk (half and half, cream, nut milk, soy milk)
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste (you can reduce the sugar or use an alternate sugar substitute such as stevia but it won’t taste as close to classic Orange Push-Ups)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice, or to taste

Combine all ingredients, except ice, in a large blender or Vita-Mix and blend until smooth and creamy, taking care the sugar has dissolved and is well incorporated. If desired, add a splash more water or more milk. Add the ice and blend until smooth.
Makes approximately three eight-ounce portions.

Tips: Pour excess portions into glasses and thaw later and drink as smoothies; pour excess into bowls and freeze for orange sherbet; or pour into Popsicle molds, paper cups, or ice cube trays and freeze for homemade Push-Ups. Or halve the recipe by cutting the can of orange juice concentrate in half and halving all other ratios.

Optional: Add 1 to 2 ounces of Rum, Malibu, Vodka, Citron, Marshmallow Vodka, Gran Marnier or similar, per smoothie portion, or to taste.

Today I Wore...

Cardi - Target

Necklace, T-shirt and pants- NY&Co

I Love a good cardigan!  This Merona one from Target (20079 is great for the weather we are having in South Carolina right now.  Even though it's January, it's been in the 50s and 60s all month.  This cardi is light weight and 3/4 sleeves, making it not too hot or too light.