White Chicken Chili

 I have now mastered a recipe for white chicken chili that I absolutely love. And since making it, I had a few requests to post the recipe I used. My version is creamy, thick, and hearty with a kick of spice. The beautiful thing about soups, stews, chowders, and chilis, is that you can make them your own. Meat - no meat. Beans- no beans. Spice - more spice. He he.

I do have to say that I am really bad at following a recipe so amounts are by no way exact or wrote in stone. Please season, thicken, and/or customize to your own personal preference.

White Chicken Chili (ChaCha Style)

2-3 Cups chopped or shredded chicken (I prefer roasted or rotisserie but canned will work)

3 15oz Cans of Cannellini beans or Great Northern (drained and rinsed)
1 7oz can of diced green chilis
4 Cups chicken broth
1 Cup evaporated milk or half and half
4 Tablespoons butter
4 Tablespoons of flour 

1 Medium onion, chopped

1 Jalepeno, chopped

3 Cloves of garlic, chopped/pressed

1-2 Tablespoons Ancho chili powder
1 Teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Choice of Toppings:
Tortilla chips or strips
Sour Cream
Salsa
Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
Chopped green onion
Chopped jalapeno peppers
Lime wedges

Directions: Sweat (saute) onions in melted butter for 3-5 minutes on medium low or until translucent. Add chopped jalapeno. Saute for 1 minute then add garlic and stir for another minute. You don't want to scorch the garlic or peppers. Sprinkle flour over onion/pepper mixture to make a roux. Stir mixture for a few minutes until lightly golden in color. Add chicken and green chilies. Mix together thoroughly. Salt and pepper to taste and also add spices at this time. Add broth and milk, turn heat up to medium high and bring to a boil.  Stir frequently. Once it comes to a boil it will start to thicken. Let boil for at least 1 minute then turn heat back down to simmer. If you want a thinner chili, add more broth.  Add beans. Season to taste one last time. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
Eat and enjoy!

**Note: This can be made without milk, just use more broth. Also experiment with other flavored chili powders. I like the chipotle chili powder as much as the ancho chili powder. 

Random Acts of Kindness and Giving

I am a firm believer in helping others and giving to those in need. But I also believe in giving to those around us (or just randomly) for no other reason than to put a smile on their face. I don't do it to make a facebook status, impress anyone, nor do I expect anything in return. I just want to spread joy and smiles and remind people that there is still good in this world. It is very rewarding to pay for the coffee behind me, give a free product coupon to a random shopper, or to just help a child out at the park. A random note or thank you card to a friend is also a great way to show value on friendship even when we are all so busy. There are so many ways to commit random acts of kindness - I would love to hear some of your ideas as well. :)

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh® -Review and Giveaway

If you are a busy mom/working woman like me, then you have likely searched for an antiperspirant/deodorant that works the entire day. And let me tell you, there are not many out there that can keep up with me. There is nothing more embarrassing than "stinking" when you thought you were well protected. It always seems to occur at the worst time, like when helping a coworker lift packages or reaching across your significant other to grab something. Ugh. And gross. If someone can smell you they automatically judge that you are dirty or lack personal hygiene. So I was skeptical at first at how well this new DRY IDEA Advanced Dry Fresh® would work. The product boasts "With enduring odor protection that lasts for 72 hours and Pulse Activated Wetness Protection, New Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh brand antiperspirant and deodorant keeps you feeling clean and confident all day long." Really? I will be the judge of that....

Ok, I admit it. It does what it claims. Of course, I did not go 72 hours without showering, but it did last the 24 hours in between my bathing. It is formulated with vitamin E so it has a silky smooth application. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering. Although it is very wet going on, it does dry and barely leaves any residue at all. I am really excited to be using this product this summer. I love to wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts and now I can be confident that there won't be any "white ball" residue under my arms for all to see! I reviewed the roll on type Dry Idea AdavancedDry®, but my next purchase will be to try out the aerosol or the clear gel. 

Head on over to the Dry Idea facebook page for a chance to win! Dry Idea is sponsoring a sweepstakes with a grand prize of $500 and an additional 10 winners of $50! That's a $1000 in prizes to be given away! Enter HERE. 

With my wedding coming up later this year, I am feeling pretty confident I can dance the night away and still wrap my arms around my man without worrying about odor or residue ruining my moment. Yay! 

I also have some free product coupons to give away. Comment here that you liked the Dry Idea facebook page and tell me what your favorite sport or activity is to participate in for a chance to win one. Comment by April 2nd, 2013.  Good luck! 

Disclosure: Dry Idea® brand provided a free sample of Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh® brand antiperspirant and deodorant for this post. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Thursday Thoughts 3/7/13

Never did I ever think I would get married again. I am so happy and very blessed to feel this much love again! Life is full of surprises :-)

ChaCha's Taco Scramble

It's Taco Tuesday!!! 

I am a huge breakfast fan and love a hearty breakfast. I just happen to have some leftover taco meat and came up with this delicious recipe for breakfast - Taco Migas (migas are fried corn tortillas scrambled with eggs). This is very easy to do and took me only about 10-15 minutes for 3 servings. You can make as much or little as you like by scaling up or down the ingredients. There is no set recipe here! 

I start with a hot skillet and saute my torn strips of corn tortillas, onions, and peppers until soften and  golden. 

I then added the taco meat and heated through combing all together. 

Then pour over you beaten eggs - for a full skillet I used 6.  Stir together to fully cook and scramble eggs. 

I topped mine with tomatoes, guacamole, and cheese, but you can top with whatever you like!
Try salsa, taco sauce, chili, more onions, or sour cream- the possibilities are endles!!

I hope you enjoyed your Taco Tuesday recipe! Let me know if you tried it! 

 

Free Sample of Gevalia Coffee in K-cups (*While supplies last)

Head on over and like the Gevalia Facebook page to sign up for a free sample of their coffee in a K-cup. These will certainly go quickly!

Comfort Food

It is extremely cold here in Ohio right now. I love to bake foods that warm us up inside and out. Tonight, one of my favorite comfort foods - Enchiladas!! I am featuring two different ones here on the blog, but I also made a simple one of refried beans and cheese wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with red sauce and more cheese. I made a total of 4 pans today. The hubby took one to work to share with the guys. I love the way the house smells when these are baking - reminds me of grandma's house! There was always food cooking and someone in the kitchen. Eating out was not a thought at my grandparents. And you know what?  They made the best food ever! I hope I am making food memories for my kids :)

Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas vs. Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

Spinach and mushroom filling in a corn tortilla.

Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas topped with a jalapeno cream sauce and cheddar cheese.

Shredded beef filling with green chilis, onion, and garlic. 

Shredded Beef and Cheese Enchiladas with red sauce.

I hope I inspired you to go make your own comfort food. I wish you all could actually taste these because they were just magical!! Please tell me what your favorite comfort food is and why it has special meaning to you.