Mom's Homemade Chili

Chili was one of my favorite meals growing up. I generally either asked for chili or lasagna for my birthday dinner as a kid. I even had my mom write this recipe up for my kindergarten recipe book which I found recently.

This recipe is pretty loose since that's how my mom cooks and how I've come to learn to cook as well. It's easier and quicker I think to just throw in what looks good and improvise based on what you have. It also means you have a chance to make every time you make the same recipe taste different!

So, for my mom:

Mom's Homemade Chili

2 cans kidney beans; drained

2 cans diced tomatoes (I use one spicy with green chilis and one regular)

2 small cans of Campbell's pork and beans (I'll explain this)

1 small can tomato paste

1 clove of garlic

1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1 small onion

All to taste:

chili powder (I'd say about 1/2 t)

salt (about 1/4 t)

pepper (about 1/4 t)

tabasco (I do about 8 small shakes and my husband always adds more to his)

oregano (about 1/2 t)

2 shakes of Worcestershire sauce

Brown the beef in a skillet. Combine in a pot the remaining ingredients. For the pork and beans, rinse well. My mom always used these beans because they contain pea beans (I think) and the Campbell's are usually pretty cheap. Add in your ground beef. Simmer for a few hours to mix in flavors.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and preferably oyster crackers.

My mom always made this on the stove and let it simmer for most of the day, mixing in the flavors. I don't have a large enough pot to hold this all, so I generally place it in my slow cooker and it does the same thing.

It was also always really mild when my mom made it since my dad and brother have light stomachs, so I've definitely upped the spicy factor a bit for us.

Chili is perfect for that cool winter day to warm everyone up. It's just such a homey meal, and everyone makes theirs differently. Enjoy making your own changes to the recipe above!

Menu and more planning tips

I've definitely improved in my menu planning over time. I used to bug my husband with a constant, "what do you want to include on the menu" chorus every time I sat down. I've changed it up by making a "master" list of recipes we like and choosing from that sheet. Not everything is on there, and of course I always like to try new recipes, so with my master list, my staples (like homemade pizza), and new recipes, it makes it easier and even more enjoyable to menu plan!


Monday: Chicken and veggie soup
Tuesday: Baked Cheese Shells
Wednesday: Chicken with rice and steamed veggies
Thursday: Valentine's Day (not sure what we'll do; possibly make dinner together)
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Turkey Picadillo with baked potatoes
Sunday: Southwest Chicken wraps (new recipe!)


Hope everyone has a good week!

Scotcheroos!

There probably isn't too much variation on this recipe out there, but this is really one of my favorite desserts from growing up, and I haven't had it in awhile. Both of us were craving it, well, my husband decided he was after I mentioned the possibility of making it! Plus, it helped me use up some pantry items!

Also, I always seem to meet a person here and there that has never had this treat. So you may just be able to introduce someone to a great new dessert!

 

Scotcheroos

1 C sugar
1 C Karo syrup
1 C peanut butter
6 C rice cereal
3/4 package chocolate chips
3/4 package butterscotch chips

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, syrup and peanut butter. Heat on low and stir until it is well mixed and a smooth consistency. Pour in the rice cereal. I usually do a small amount at a time to keep it moving and hopefully keep the smashing to a minimum.

Pour out the cereal mixture into a greased 9" x 13" pan.

In a smaller saucepan, combine the chips. Heat on low, stirring constantly. I do it this way and the chocolate mixture ends up almost whipped. You can also use a double boiler if you have one, or improvise like I've done before.

Once completely melted, pour over the cereal mixture and spread evenly using a spatula. Don't forget to lick the spoon when you're done! :)