Sunday, November 2, 2014

How spices can rock your food

I often wonder why it is so hard for people to be positive. The first few minutes after you wake up, you have a choice. Make the day count or let it conquer you. Now, don't get me wrong, we all carry burdens that perhaps nobody knows about but once we step out that door there is a whole other world who may be experiencing something even worst. So what do we do? we moan and groan, get cranky with others and allow that bitterness to show through our work, our attitudes and body language. But what if for those few minutes in the morning we make a choice to not let those problems rule our day?
I challenge people all the time with different things depending on what the situation is and what they share with me. This is something we can all practice and it will not only bring you some peace, but you might make someones day that much better. Let that sink in...and try it. We can only control so many things in life!



The other day I got home from work and found that my sister had left ground turkey outside to make dinner. I am the first to say that I really don't like turkey that much but in this particular recipe you cannot even tell what it is. So after a couple of phone calls she tells me to use a recipe from a book that her friend gave her but after looking at the ingredients I realize that I am missing a few items not to mention not everyone likes onions in the house (yes- you read right, they have to be invisible in order to go on the table). Thankfully our spices are always on point and after taking out 6 different ones I decided to just wing it.

What you need:

2 Lbs of ground lean turkey
1/4 C Evoo
1 Tbsp butter
2 1/2 C of low sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion chopped
1 small tomato
1 Tbsp flour
3 cloves of garlic- mashed, peeled & chopped
1 Tsp of the following: cinnamon, oregano & cumin
2 Tbsp of chili powder
3 Tbsp dark brown sugar
Salt & pepper
2 Tbsp tomato paste (if you do not have any, substitute for 1/2 c marinara and a little ketchup- what I did)
1 can of chili beans
Garnish: sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped green onions

How to make:

In a large pot on high heat add the evoo, butter, onion and garlic and allow to cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the chopped tomato and stir for about 1 minute. Add the turkey and break with a wooden spoon; saute until no longer pink. Sprinkle the flour and mix well, then add the paste or marinara and all the spices including the sugar. Allow to cook for 3 minutes. Add the beans and broth, combine well and bring heat down to medium (simmer). The time will vary depending on how you like your chili. If you like nice and thick then let it sit for maybe 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over white rice and add whatever garnish you like.

~Enjoy!