Chili and Corn Bread!

Comfort food. Does it really comfort you?

Some dishes, and even drinks, make me think of certain people. It usually brings back lots of good, fun memories of times together.

I have been craving chili all week. It could be cause it's Super Bowl weekend. Or it could be because I needed a minor trek down memory lane...

I miss hanging out with one of my good pals and the long chats we had together. We would stroll to the dining center for bunch after a wild night out. I would eat cereal by the bowl full. He would dominate the chili. And corn bread. I think it helped us recall the night's happenings...

I remember multiple tailgates when warm chili in my belly made me so much happier! My favorite memory probably has to be the VT Duke football game last fall. My cousin, sister and I had a super fun time "taste tasting" the chili at 3 am the morning of the game! Hey, we did discovered a new love for chili with corn chips! And only needed two hours of sleep...

Chili
1 1/2 onions (or one really large one) chopped
1 pepper, chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
2 cans dark kidney beans, rinsed
2 cans light kidney beans, rinsed
2 cans diced tomatoes (can use one can of fire roasted)
1 can tomato sauce
1 jalapeño, diced
chili powder
pepper
Frank's hot sauce
cheddar cheese
corn chips

sauté the onions and peppers on medium heat with some olive oil. add in the ground beef and let it brown. you might need to drain the excess liquid that comes off as it cooks. lightly season the meat while it is cooking. 

drain and wash the beans in a colander. add them to the crock pot and combine the meat on top of the beans.

pour the diced tomatoes and sauce on top of the beans and meat. add the jalapeño, spices and hot sauce. gently mix it together.

let it simmer on low heat for 5-6 hours. mixing every few hours.

beef n bean chili!!

Corn Bread with Chiles
from mama!

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup corn meal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup shredder cheddar cheese
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1 can corn, drained
1 can green Chiles, drained

preheat oven to 400. mix together dry ingredients and cheese in bowl.
beat together egg, milk and oil in separate bowl.
add wet ingredients to dry. do not over-mix. add in the corn and green Chiles.
put in muffin tins, or bread loaf pan.
bake for 20 minutes until golden brown on top!

I heart football. Lots. And am pumped for the big showdown this weekend. Rodgers was on my fantasy team so part of me feels like I need to cheer him on. Having some roots in PA, cheering for the Steelers seems appropriate. Honestly, I don't really care who wins. I just want to be entertained. Whether it's MillionDollar HairBoy picking everything off or Concussion Man airing out 1298371982 yard passes to Jennings, I'll take it.

The commercials never fail. And the Black Eyed Peas always make me wanna dance! I am looking forward to a good time with more friends, good eats and sports! Chili goes great at any get together, inside or out.