Monday, April 25, 2011

White Bean Chicken Chili


Who says chili is just a winter meal? It's almost summer, and I'm still obsessed with this dish!

I've made this chili several times and have been experimenting a bit with the proportions of the ingredients. It has come out pretty good each time, but I'm finally thrilled with the result! I got the recipe from Multiply Delicious, an amazing food blog you should check out! Here's my version:

You'll need:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, chopped finely
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 - 15 oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 - 10 oz. cans Rotel tomato and green chiles diced (mild)
1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
Juice of one lime
1/4 cup fresh cilnatro, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup of the beans and one can of Rotel until smooth - just takes a few seconds! Set that aside. I know this doesn't look appetizing, but it'll all come together in the end.


Drizzle some olive oil in your pot, and turn the stove on medium heat. Add your chopped onions, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.




Add the garlic, and after about 30 seconds, add the chili powder and cumin. Give the mixture a quick stir and add the broth.


Then, add the pureed bean mixture, along with the remaining beans and other can of Rotel.

  
Stir together and turn the stove to medium-high heat. Once the mixture come to a boil, turn the heat down to low and add your chicken.


Stir together, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.


Chop your cilantro.



Stir it into your chili along with your lime, salt, and pepper.


Meanwhile, slice up some avocado to top each individual serving of chili.


This tastes so good!!


 I also made some honey cornbread muffins, and I'm convinced I've discovered one of the best recipes for cornbread ever! It's pretty straightforward (like most things I make), and I didn't change anything about it, so I won't go through each step... but CLICK HERE for the recipe.


Sending you love from my kitchen!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

No-Bake Cookies


I've completely been neglecting this blog for the past month, but for a good reason... I'm about to graduate!! So as I wrap up my final papers and presentations and try to keep up with work, this blog has temporarily sunk pretty low on my list of priorities. But here are some quick and delicious cookies that will hopefully keep you happy until I walk across that stage and can start cooking and baking more!

You'll need:
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Start by pouring the first four ingredients into a large saucepan on medium heat, stirring occasionally as everything starts to melt together.


Once those ingredients are combined, let the mixture simmer for one minute. Then, remove from heat and add the peanut butter and oatmeal, stirring until the peanut butter is melted and oatmeal is well-distributed through the mixture. (Sorry for the lack of pictures here!)

Drop large spoonfuls of the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. And it doesn't matter how close together the cookies are because you're not baking them so they won't expand!


Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to pick up with your hand.


Sending you (belated) love from my kitchen. Enjoy!