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chili

Tasty

The “BEST EVER” Turkey Chili

December 8, 2014

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I’m not the biggest chili person, but when the weather cools off, and football is in full swing, chili is the easiest way to feed a group of people!  I came across this recipe on Food52 (one of my FAVS), and while I’m not sure it’s the BEST EVER, it really is a tasty (and easy) addition to your chili line-up.

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The Best Ever Turkey Chili

via Food52

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 medium to large onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 1 cup dark beer
  • One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can kidney beans, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce or chile paste
  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add tomato paste, onion, garlic, and red pepper, then cook until softened (stirring occasionally).
  3. Add the chili powder, hot paprika, coriander, oregano, and cinnamon; stir and cook for a minute or so.
  4. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until lightly browned.
  5. Pour in the beer and allow to cook down slightly.
  6. Add the tomatoes, beans, and hot sauce or chili paste.
  7. Allow the chili to simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 40 minutes.
  8. Season with salt and pepper and top with sour cream, chopped green onion, cilantro, and/or shredded cheese.

I also made pickled jalapenos, which was a fun garnish idea as well!

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Party

Bunco Party

October 14, 2013

One of my college roommates started a Bunco group and I was excited to host this month!

Bunco Score Card

First I had to give our house a little Halloween flair (orange colored bottles in the bar, pumpkins, orange and black books) and tweak our furniture layout. With a 900 square foot house, and our living room being pretty much the only accessible room in the house, I had to get creative with seating, but it all worked out!

This week was a little crazy (helped coordinating my boss’s major house move, planned two parties and worked a normal work week), so prep was VERY important.  Here was my menu:

  • Cornbread
  • Turkey, Four Bean and Sweet Potato Chili*
  • Chili Toppings: Avocado, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro, Sliced Jalapenos, Corn Tortilla Chips
  • Bread Bowls (for the chili)
  • Brownies
  • Snacks: Guacamole, Salsa and Chips; Edamame Hummus and Rice Crackers, various crackers/chips/treats

* I subbed their beans with 2 cans black, 1 kidney and 1 white bean.  I prepped everything the night before and stored in a crock pot (sans chicken stock and water) in the fridge overnight, and then added the stock/water the morning of and cooked on low for 8 hours while at work.

ChiliThe key is prepping as much as you can ahead of time (you never know when your last meeting is going to run late), and to serve food that requires as little of your attention the day of (ie you don’t want to be frying chicken or plating food last minute).  A party like this needs food that can be served at any time and at your guests leisure.  Also little snacks at each table doesn’t hurt! Competition can make a person hungry!

PopcornFor a bunco “How To Guide” check out this link. My friend Sarah has also created a “Bunco box” filled with all of the necessary forms, pens, dice (or die?!), bell, etc.  It’s a great thing to have if you plan on mixing up the host home.  You also will need a fun item (something small – usually a mini stuffed animal), for those that roll 3 of a kind.  I went a festive route and used a small pumpkin (not the safest thing in retrospect, because it will be tossed around from table to table – not ideal with wine glasses around 🙂 ).

Bunco PumpkinOverall it was a blast and such a fun night!  I highly recommend you start your own Bunco night if you don’t play in one already!  Thank you Sarz for starting the fun!