Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Recipe – Just in Time for National Chili Day

Posted on By jennifer

National Chili Day.  Well, of course, there is a national day for chili and chili lovers.  And it is this week.  On the 25th, to be exact.  I’ve noticed that folks tend to be very particular about their chili.  What kind of beans should be added.  Or should there even be beans?  How spicy is too spicy and should there be meat?  These are all important questions and I have also noted that everyone seems to think they have the perfect chili recipe.  Nevertheless, I thought I would include one of my favorites.

It is grey and damp outside.  Patches of slushy ice and/or snow are scattered everywhere.  The drizzle has finally ended but it is the perfect day to be inside.  A perfect day for cozy food and, however you like it stirred up, I think many will agree chili is a wonderfully cozy food.  That said, I think I will celebrate National Chili Day on Thursday!!

And, just for fun, here is my favorite recipe.  It is for Taco Chicken Chili.  Yes, chicken.  No, I have not forgotten I am a vegetarian but my husband is not.  There are so many delicious vegetarian recipes out there that most often we enjoy the same dishes for dinner; however, I do enjoy making him some of his favorite meat and potato dishes.  At least once a week, we have two different things for dinner.  Truthfully, though, chicken is not his favorite.  As a matter of fact, chili is not his first choice…but he loves this recipe!  It really is that good.

I have made it with plant-based chicken – or imitation chicken – which I will admit is a bit tricky.  There are several different brands on the market but they are hit or miss.  It is very easy to overcook which makes it very chewy.  I am noting here the original recipe (which is actually a jumble of a couple of different recipes) and you can make substitutions as necessary – if you just happen to enjoy plant-based eating as much as I do!:)  I would also love to know your favorite chili recipe.  Share a link in the comments!  And….Happy National Chili Day!!

Taco Chicken Chili

1 15- oz. can black beans (drained & rinsed) and 1 15-oz. can chili beans (undrained)

1 15.25- oz. can corn (undrained) 

1 10 – oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 tsp. cumin, 1 Tbsp. chili powder and 1 tsp. onion powder (or you can use 1 packet taco seasoning)

1 8- oz package light cream cheese

2 chicken breasts

Instructions

  • Place chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.  Add beans, corn, tomatoes and tomato sauce.
  • Top with seasonings and ranch dressing mix. Stir together.
  • Place cream cheese block on top. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • About one house before the end of the cooking time, take chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred with two forks and add them back to the chili. Let cook for the remaining 1 hour.  Stir together and serve with all your favorite toppings!

 

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Comments (2)

  1. That sounds delicious! It also seems similar to my taco soup recipe. I would say that is my favorite thing to eat when the weather calls for cozy food. It’s a pound of ground beef, two cans of black beans, two cans of kidney beans, one can of corn, two cans of Rotel, one small half gallon of V8 (or half of that with the other half being water) and one pack of ranch dressing mix. You just simmer all of that together and eat it garnished with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. You could totally just leave the meat out, though. I love all the beans, it makes it very hearty! Thanks for sharing! Have a great day inside.

    1. Jennifer, this sounds delicious and so reminds me of a recipe from my mom that I have on a scrap of yellow notebook paper in my file downstairs!! Sweet memory:) She always added the V8! And, doesn’t a dollop of sour cream just make everything perfect!?:) Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!!

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