Chili and also chilly!!
38 brisk degrees this morning in the West Virginia hills! Sounds like a great day to cook up a big pot of chili!
I have made chili pretty much the same way for the past 50+ years and was quite happy with it. Tomato juice, ground beef, kidney beans (canned) and spices, cooked for a couple of hours on a low heat. Quite tasty, but also quite time consuming.
Recently, I have discovered a new method/recipe that works out much better for today’s busy lifestyle.
Using McCormick’s chili seasoning mix and tomato sauce, along with the beef and beans eliminates practically all the cooking time. A quick browning of the meat, add beans, sauce and seasoning mix, simmer for a few, and VOILA!!! Chili!!

It’s time for “all things pumpkin”
Let’s whip up some Pumpkin Fudge”!

Nothing like good home-baked pizza.

Many years ago when I was a young mother with a new baby, a kind neighbor brought me a bowl of stew for dinner. It was so good, that I immediately ran over and begged her for the recipe. It has been a favorite in my family ever since.

If you try it, be sure to use all the different spices exactly as they are in the recipe to get the full benefit of it’s unique flavor.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons fat (any type)
2 pounds beef chuck, cut in large cubes
1 large onion, sliced
1 clove garlic
4 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 bay leaves
Pinch of allspice
Carrots and Potatoes (No definite amounts given. Put in as many or few as you like) I just throw some in until it looks like enough to feed the family.
A little corn starch and water (Adjust this to your liking)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat fat in a large heavy saucepan. (I use a six quart dutch oven)
Brown meat on all sides. Add water and spices.
Simmer 2 hours.
Add vegetables, and cook until they are tender.
Add corn starch to a small amount of water and stir into the stew to thicken the juices.

Great to be rubbing elbows with cooking celebrities. He’s just one of the gang!! Really nice guy! Love of good food brings us all together!

Heck let’s just do it the easy way and turn it into a jpeg file.

When I am waking up with a morning cup of coffee, I like to have something solid to go with it. Something flavorful, but not too sweet.
These cookies fill that requirement nicely! I jokingly call them my “Trail Mix”cookies. (Picture will be updated later, since it is obviously not Christmas season right now)
Recipe as I get the time to type it in.

According to Bill, today is National Pecan Pie Day….I always make one for Christmas, so maybe it’s time for “Christmas in July”!