I hope everyone is enjoying the snow! Well, if you’re not driving I

suppose you would be! I’ve seen some really great snowball fights,

participated in a few, and enjoyed the light from the snow waking

me up in the morning. This weather always puts me in the mood

for warm and filling food though! Here are some recipes to help

you stay toasty and well-fed!

 

Chili

Alright, this is always a staple. If you have a crockpot, even better! Here are some Chili basics with some options, depending on what you have. Chili is incredibly forgiving so experiment!

• 1 12oz can refried beans
• 2 12oz cans beans of your choice (popular ones include black and pinto beans)
• 1 24oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbl tomato paste
• 4c broth 2 tbl tomato paste

Put the broth in your large pot or crockpot and add the rest of the ingredients (drain the beans and give ‘em a good rinse first). I would consider this the base of chili! Adjust the consistency by adding more beans/paste/ect if too runny, add water if too thick.

• Cumin
• Chipotle Chili Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Pepper
• Oregano

These are awesome spices to include. I really enjoy adding cumin and chipotle chili powder, that’s my secret spice is just about everything. Add any other spices you think are fitting. If you’re going for a sweeter chili, think about garam masala, anisee, or cinnamon.

• Carrots
• Celery
• Squash (cook the squash first, put in an oven at about 350F for 40 minutes)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Sunchoke (COOK THESE FIRST! 350F in the oven, for at least 40 minutes)
• Kale

These are veggies that are seasonal-ish (it is getting to be winter!), which means they’ll be cheaper than more traditional chili ingredients like bell peppers. Stirfy/cook them before you add them to the chili, even if you’re slow cooking them.

• Masa Harina (Corn flour)
• Polenta
• Coffee (no, really)

These are additional ingredients I’ve tried. The last one was at a recent event where over 50 people were cooked for. It was a spontaneous choice from what I understand but hey, it was really tasty! Add meat if you’re a carnivore, I would recommend using Applegate or meat you know is local/grassfed/ect. It truly makes a difference in taste and impact to the environment. Check around locally, that’s where the best meat deals can be had in some cases!

• Cilantro
• Sour Cream
• Sprouts
• Corn Chips
• Cornbread
• Cheese!

All wonderful toppings or additions to your meal

Add all your incredible ingredients together until you get a taste that’s right and a temperature that’s warm! If you’re using a slow cooker, leave it on warm when you go to class. When you get back the flavors will have melded and you will have a hot bowl of YUM!

Other Quick Chili Recipes 

 

More Warm Recipes

1. Roasted Sweet Potato Apple and Sage Soup- I know, chili is soup-like. But did you read the title?! Few ingredients, a whole lot of nice smooth taste. You can crockpot this one too!Maple Apple Crisp- YUM. Crisps are easy and if you have a few apples left over from our amazing season, you’re all set!
2. Cake in a Cup- Alright, no the healthiest…but it’s got Nutella!
3. Coconut Ginger Chicken Curry-Substitute tofu for the chicken if your so inclined! This is a hearty meal that’s bound to fill you up!

My Favorites:

1. Basic Hot Chocolate with Twists!- I’m on a sugar fast right now, and this is driving me a little crazy. I LOVE hot chocolate.
2. For the Spice Lovers- Oh yeah, the got chocolate gets dressed up.
3. It’s not a party without popcorn! - Try a savory popcorn to go with your sweet drink!