BBRRRRRRR!

 It’s beautiful out, but too cold for my thin Southern blood. Current temperature here at the lake is 28 degrees; windy and light sleet falling…

 Temperature is dropping to the teens tonite, so no driving, and cancelling of  husband’s birthday dinner plans with friends :(

 It’s hard to believe I was sitting in these chairs Thursday in mid 60 degree weather, getting my fifteen minutes of Dr. Oz-Approved-Vitamin D…

 Even the boat looks cold…

 We noticed some Bluebirds flying in to take shelter.

 No Chair-Sitting for a while…*sigh*

 I’m not sure we have enough sunflower seed.

 He looks cold and lonely…

Fortunately, we have chili in the fridge, made yesterday, to keep us warm.

Served in a bread bowl, just like at Panera Bread :)

This chili recipe is one my family stumbled upon when they lived in Houston in the 80’s. This was a radio personality’s recipe that was printed in the newspaper. I have altered it a little bit to how I like to make it, but the original recipe can be viewed here.

• 1 – 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can 28 oz. whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 ribs of celery, diced
• 2 green peppers, diced
• 1 large potato
• 1 envelope taco seasoning ( I prefer reduced sodium, no MSG)
• 1 envelope chili seasoning (same goes)
• 2 (12oz.) beers, whatever you have on hand
• 1 can drained and rinsed kidney beans
• chopped jalapeno peppers to taste
• grated Parmesan cheese if desired

Brown ground beef, drain. Add to dutch oven with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings and chopped veggies. Add beers to mixture. Simmer with lid on, slightly askew. Stir occasionally, breaking up tomatoes. Check to see if you need to additional water to pot as chili simmers. Simmer until veggies (diced potato especially) are cooked. Add beans to pot when chili is almost done. During final simmering time, add some parmesan cheese and stir. I sometimes do, and sometimes don’t. This takes approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Refrigerate. This is better the next day, but I have served it the same day. Hollow out a small round loaf. Serve chili in bread bowl. Great for Super Bowl party!  Garnish with sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, jalapenos, etc.