Chili....with a slight chance of fruit

Saturday evening, after Kevin got off work, the kids and I loaded up in the car with him and headed to the neighboring town to pay a bill and shop for groceries at Wal-Mart. Kevin and I had decided we wanted burgers and fries for dinner. We got what we needed: buns, tomatoes, pickles, and onion, with the exception of ground beef. I do not like the ground beef at Wal-Mart. It is too expensive, does not appear to be freshly ground, and has too much fat in it. The kids, of course, only wanted a lunchable each to eat. We got everything on our list, checked out, and made it safely home.

We got our food prepared and I sliced up a tomato. It was so funny! Kevin was preparing his burgers, then spoke up and told me I had better get over to the table and get a tomato slice if I wanted one, cause Chris was eating them up. I tell ya, this son of mine LOVES tomatoes! If my family gets together and the food menu includes a veggie tray, better hide it! Chris will eat all the cherry tomatoes off it!

Chris really tickled me this morning. While shopping the other night, we picked up a few navel oranges that were on sale. They were really pretty and I could just taste one as I stood there glaring at them. He decided he wanted to eat one for breakfast. I shockingly glanced at him and he assured me he would eat and not waste it. So, I got one out of the fridge, peeled and separated it. By golly, he ate every piece!!

I am so happy that my kids love veggies and fruits. This past summer, we could not keep strawberries stocked in the fridge. They went as fast as they were bought. Grapes, apples, broccoli, carrots, green beans, corn......the list could go on and on.

As we ate our burgers, watched tv, and talked about Chris and the tomatoes, Kevin's eyes suddenly got huge:

me: "What is it?"
K: "That just made me think of something!"
me: "Ok, what?"
K: "Some homemade chili would be good tomorrow!"
me: "Yeah that does sound good....call your mom and ask if she wants to make some."

So, Kevin calls his mom and she gives him a list of ingredients she needs. Now I have made chili before. I followed a recipe I found on Food Network from Paula Deen's son, Jamie. It was good but we wanted something different. Kevin's mom has the simplest recipe for chili but it makes a pot full. I don't have a pot like she makes hers in. It is a tall pot. Needless to say, it's now on my 'to buy' list....LOL! So, yesterday, we watched football, ate chili, and had great family time.

Here is the recipe for anyone that may want to try it. Now since it makes a lot, you can buy the gallon size freezer bags and pour the rest in the bags and freeze it for later.

Easy Chili

2-3 lbs ground beef (depends on how much you want in it...can also use turkey)
5 cans light red kidney beans, do NOT drain (can use less if you don't like them)
1 large can tomato juice
2 cans (15oz) tomato sauce
1 large can whole tomatoes, do NOT drain
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 med onions, chopped (can use less if you prefer)
2 pkgs chili seasoning
chili powder (use this to taste)

Directions:
Brown meat, onion, and bell pepper. You can add salt and pepper to this while cooking. Drain well. Pour into large stock pot. Add beans, tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomatoes and chili seasoning packets. Stir and mix well on medium high heat. Let mixture come to a simmer and continue cooking on medium/low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add chili powder to your liking....however you think chili tastes.

Since this makes a lot, we added a lot of chili powder. Just sprinkle and taste til the flavor is how you like it. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers and eat up! It was so good, I ate 2 bowls full. I think Kevin ate 3 bowls of it! It sure was filling on a day like yesterday.

Over and out!