dinner

I was hesitant to write a post about this because if you’re anything like me, I’m very particular about my chili, and I assume everyone else is too. Most people have their “go-to” chili recipe, one that they’ve grown up on and can replicate over and over again blindfolded. But for those of you who don’t have a “go-to” chili recipe or you want to deviate and try something different, allow me to share mine. It’s SUPER easy 30 minute recipe, and you can obviously tailor it to how you like it, creating your own “go-to” chili recipe.

Ratio. It’s all about the ratio for me and I love beans! Lots of beans!!! If beans aren’t for you, you may want to quit reading now. But if you’re a bean lover, you’re in good company. Without further ado, here’s my “recipe”:

1 lb ground organic turkey or beef
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can of black beans, strained and rinsed (you can use any kind of beans you like)
1 14oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup diced zucchini
1 packet of Chili seasoning mix (we prefer mild McCormick)
Shredded cheddar cheese and Fritos, for toppings

Instructions:

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large heavy pot over medium/high heat, and brown the meat. If using a high fat content beef, drain excess grease after browning meat.
Add zucchini and cook for a few more minutes, until softened.
Stir in packet of seasoning and let cook 1 min.
Add kidney beans and strained black beans.
Add can of diced tomatoes.
Add 1/2 cup of water and stir all together.
Bring chili to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Ladle chili into bowl and top with cheese and Fritos.
Enjoy!

As a mom of two, I know how hard it can be to get your kids to eat their food at meal time. Dinner is by far our most challenging meal, as many of you can probably relate. After a long, stressful day at work, the last thing you want to do is have to figure out a dinner that you can throw together in less than 30 minutes that will make everyone happy. Add on the juggle of a 4 year old and 18 month old, and dinner prep is not usually something I look forward to either. It’s on nights like these, when I have nothing planned for dinner that I like to turn to some of my easy, go-to staples. And when you can throw in a little FUN, sometimes it turns the dinner challenge into a dinner winner. Tonight, we incorporated a little ghoulish Halloween fun into our dinner!

On the menu…

GHOST TOAST with extra GHOST EYEBALLS – any kind of bread toasted (we had pumpkin toast), spread with cream cheese and 2 blueberries as eyes. Extra “eyeballs” on the side
SCARECROW BRAINS – scrambled eggs with your favorite cheese
Magical WAND – fully cooked sausage links, heated in pan (hint: I told Brooks the magic only lasts for 3 spells, and then it’s gone – otherwise your little goblins will never eat it…didn’t foresee this coming)
WITCHES BREW – milk or drink of choice; kids can stir a little Nesquik into their cauldron if you choose

Evie’s wand had to be cut into pieces…

Brooks’ best “ooooooo” ghost sound

If you’re looking for some other ways to incorporate some fun into your food here’s what you need:

Start with a vessel — whole grain bread, bagels, tortillas, pizza crusts, etc.
Add a spread aka “the glue” — hummus, cream cheese (all flavors), peanut butter, tomato sauce, pesto, etc.
Add whatever fun toppings you want — fruits, veggies, shredded cheese, pepperoni, beans, etc. Hint: letting your kiddos help “decorate” their creations gets them involved, which I find makes them want to try new things. Win win!
Be creative! I keep an abundant amount of cookie cutters on hand to cut out fun shapes. Some of the faves include the teddy bear, heart, car, dinosaur, apple, flower, and airplane.
Feel free to share some of your favorite fun food ideas — I would love to add them to my list!

Tag: dinner

Chilly nights call for Chili nights.

Don’t play with your food…or do!