Thursday, January 16, 2020

 On Tuesday night, around 8:30,  after it had stormed all day, I was watching TV and noticed how light it was outside.   I actually thought there was someone with a light on in the backyard because it was so bright.  I hurried and snapped this photo and within 1-2 minutes it was so dark that I could just barely make out the fence, let alone the color of the buildings.  It started to snow right after I took the picture, so maybe it was the reflection of the snow, or the snow clouds, who knows.  It was so cloudy that it couldn't of been the moon...I don't know what caused it, but it was really beautiful while it lasted, and just a little creepy!  

The cold weather makes me just want to hunker down and do nothing but veg on the couch...but there's just so much I could be doing.  Before I know it, it'll be getting warm outside, the snow will melt, the yard will need attending to, and the time to stay in the house will be gone.  And although getting outside sounds really good, I need to work on organizing and cleaning out a few closets and rooms while I'm lucky enough to be inside.  I do like to have things cleaned up and kind of organized before Spring.  

This cold weather is a perfect time to make soups and stews, it kind of warms everything up and makes you feel cozy!  I bought a cookbook 33 years ago that was compiled from associates and customers of, Farmer Jack, to benefit Easter Seals. Farmer Jack was a grocery store chain based in, Detroit, Michigan, the chain closed it's doors in 2007.   I'm not sure where I bought this book, but I'm glad I did, it has some wonderful recipes in it.  I thought I would share one of the recipes from the cookbook that I've made many, many times over the years, it's called, Chili with a Difference.  It's really tasty and is perfect with rolls or cornbread.  When I make this chili, I'm not sure which I love more, the taste of the chili, or the way it makes my house smell!


Chili With a Difference

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
3 cans kidney beans (rinsed) or 3-4 cups beans (after they have been soaked overnight)
1 can whole tomatoes
1/3 - 1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 scant cup sugar
2 onions chopped (I only use 1)
 1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 Tbl. chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

Fry the ground beef and onions then add to the beans and the rest of ingredients.  (I usually add 3-6 cups water along the way.)  Simmer until the flavors are blended, usually 2-3 hours.  Enjoy!

When I made mine the other day, I used a combination of canned kidney beans and canned navy beans.  I haven't made it in my crock-pot or my pressure cooker, but I'm sure it would work just fine.

Better run, bracing for another snowy, blowy day tomorrow!!

Stay safe...XOXOXO



Hugs and Love,
Barb








11 comments:

Just Ramblin' said...

The black and white picture of the snow is beautiful. Would be awesome to print and frame it.
I know what you mean about hunkering down when it's cold and stormy. I have a hard time making myself do anything...just want to sit and read. I, too, need to get some cleaning and organizing done before warm weather hits. Last year I wasn't able to do much, and although my children did what they could, there was a lot we just had to let go. I've been trying to sort and make DI piles plus getting rid of some old things in the garage that my husband accumulated over the years that no one wants or can use. My goal is to get it cleaned out this spring. Your chili looks yummy! There's nothing like soup in the winter!

Deb J. in Utah said...

That is an amazing picture of that snowy night. It looks soooo cold out there. It is pretty cold here too and we are supposed to get more snow tonight. Thanks for the chili recipe. I have wanting to make a batch of chili so I think I will use this recipe! Have a great week and good luck with your cleaning and organizing. See you again soon.

Cindy said...

I'm not a big fan of chili but my husband would love this!! I"ll have to show him this recipe. That picture is beautiful. It almost seems like there's a football stadium or something with it's lights on. But if it got dark after you took the picture... that's interesting. And yes, a little creepy!

Vee said...

Maybe if I had some chili I could weather the winter storms better. We are just off one with another coming in for the weekend. I’m so done with it. I definitely live in the wrong state. 😏 The light is a bit odd and eerie some days. I’ve noticed that, too.

Mother Em said...

Sounds similar to chili I through together. I use golden hominy, black beans, as well as corn to stretch it out for two or three more meals.

Getting cold this coming week in Georgia and, while stuck in the house, I really should be decluttering. Sure needs it. I did, however, shred four garbage bags full. And we did do some raking of leaves. The great weather we have had got us outside and, now, jonquils are popping up and in bloom, trees are budding out, banana leaves are shooting up ...are they in for a surprise!

Have a great weekend out west.

Mary in Georgia

Lisa said...

I love your picture of the snowy night fall. You should print that on a canvas. Beautiful! Your chili recipe sounds delish and I am going to try your recipe. My recipe has gotten kind of boring lately. In my area we go from the high 70’s to the low 40’s every other day. I want it to stay cold for a while. Would love some lovely snow like yours! Enjoy your snowy days!

Sue said...

Wow! barb, that story and photo are spectacular, nature really gives us so many unexplainable and lovely surprises.

I really think our heavenly Father gives us and nature winter to rest, and get rejuvenated! The chili sounds delicious, I am going to bookmark and copy it, it seems Like a good recipe to try while Dh is recuperating.
Thank you for visiting and for your sweet words of encouragement.
Blessings,
Sue

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LeAnn said...

Wow, that is a strange photo of light. You have had so much snow and cold. I too just want to stay in and not go outside. I like organize and clean before spring but I don't know if that will happen. I did do some before Christmas. I'm looking forward to spring and being outside more.
I forgot to mention in the other post how much I and we are enjoying Amber's posts.. She is the cutest ever and we laugh, smile and enjoy her sweet personality so much. She is an amazing mother and does so much with that sweet Averi of ours. I love their family so much.
Thanks for the Chili recipe; it looks delicious.
Blessings and hugs for you two!

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