It’s a Chili Night

Hello all!  I hope that you had an extraordinary day.

Before anything else, I just want to thank you so very much for your thoughts and prayers for cousin Jerry!  He is alive and well, y’all!!! 

I received a message from Sharon this morning (Greg’s momma), and she informed me:  “Jerry’s blood sugar was 145, he was talking, he took a sip of water, and he asked for a Pepsi!  Praise the Lord!”

I found this message extremely endearing and comical at the same time, because Jerry loves his Pepsi.  It’s so random and cute that he just had to ask for some Pepsi upon waking up.  Yup, it’s the same Jerry, alright!  Hehe.

This morning called for the buckwheat crepes I made when first I started blogging.

I filled the crepes with a mixture of cinnamon-y pumpkin Greek yogurt, Crofter’s fruit spread <–amajeengg! bananas, coconut butter, and walnut pieces.

I rolled them up and tooth-picked them.  I proceeded to spread them with a teeny bit of Biscoff spread for a sweeter taste.

Come lunch time, I was pretty excited to try a new pâté I purchased at World Market.  While I was growing up, pâté was something that I often ate as a snack with my friends.  It is commonly eaten with cheese and crackers in Argentina.  It is practically everywhere!

If I can call a lunch plate “paradoxical”, then this one would be it.

It was a leftover Tempeh burger and steamed veggies from Mother’s Market, a Korean veggie side dish called 씨레기 나물 ( pronounced shee-rae-ghee nah-mool), Stacy’s fabulous whole grain pita, and…pâté.  Haha!  Tempeh and pâté.  Hmm…weird combo, but delicious nevertheless.

Of course, the portion size is just for photography’s sake.  I helped myself to a little more than this afterwards.

Then evening came.

I was feeling a bit chilly because of the windy weather, and behold.  Leftover turkey chili was born! *muuuahahahaha*

The recipe will look endless, but that’s because most of the ingredients are spices.

Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 3 C leftover ground turkey (or fresh)
• 1 can kidney or black beans
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 6 oz. can of tomato paste
• 2 TBSP pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 TBSP ketchup
• 2 C chicken broth
• 3 C water
• 3 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
• 2 TBSP molasses
• 1 TBSP cooking wine (optional)
• salt+pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika, 3 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp red cayenne pepper, 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:

1.)  Grab a large pot and turn the stove to medium heat.  Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up for a little bit.  Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and carrot pieces.  Let it sauté until the vegetables become slightly soft.

2.)  For the leftover turkey, you may grind it up in the food processor.

3.)  Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, and water to the pot.  Combine it together with a wooden spoon.  Now add the ground turkey, beans, and the rest of the liquid ingredients. Let is simmer for about 5 minutes.

4.)  Throw in the jalapeños, garlic, and all of the spices and herbs (including salt and pepper).  Lastly, add the cocoa powder and keep stirring until everything is incorporated.  Let it cook for at least 10-15 more minutes.  If you use fresh turkey, then cook for a longer period.

5.)  Makes approximately 10 servings.  It’s delicious when it’s topped with Greek Yogurt, cheddar cheese, and corn bread!

And what an easy and efficient way to use up leftovers, no?

I’m also really excited to share with you the recipe for this amazing ball of deliciousness!

I want to, I really want to share it right now.  But that would make this post incredibly long and dreadful, and none of us wants that right?  

*nods head*

Thoughts on the Last Workout

Okay guys.  I’m not the type to vent a lot if I don’t need to.

But this time, I need to!  The last workout I shared with you murdered me completely!  And I mean that in the best way possible.  Not only was it a great cardio routine, but my inner thighs, hamstrings, lower glutes, and lower abs are on fire.  All I can say is, intervals rule!

Plus, I get to be free entertainment for those who see me walking like I have to go poo, haha.

Have a glorious evening, and I hope that all of us will always strive to look at life through a different perspective.  After all, although we don’t have control over our circumstances, we do have control over our responses.  Let’s be responders and not reactors! Seriously, the best example I can think of at this moment is Jerry.

Have you tried pâté before?  Is it a yay or nay for you?

Have you used up your Thanksgiving leftovers yet?  What did you make with them?

Do you tend to be a responder or reactor to life’s situations?

Grace & Peace,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: Biscoff spread, breakfast, Crofter's Organic spread, God's love, greek yogurt, healing, homemade chili, Lunch, prayer, pumpkin, Stacy's pita chips, Thanksgiving, turkey