Chilly Weather Chili

It tends to be a bit chilly in New England this time of year.  What better to warm you up than a big hot bowl of chili?!?!?  I am not going to lie, I have never made chili before since I don't really like it but my husband does so I figured I would give it a go.  I researched a few different ways to make it and most people prefer slow cooked chili that sits and simmers for hours.  I did not have this kind of time today and needed a quick version.  My chili only took about 45minutes from start to finish! Here is what you will need to begin:

1.3lbs of 15% fat Hamburg 

1 sweet onion chopped

1 can of chili (14oz)

1 can tomato sauce (8oz)

1 can regular rotel (14oz)

1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (We like the spice you can use just a can of diced tomato 14oz)

1 package of chili seasoning

1 cup water

Cook hamburg and onion in large stock pot until hamburg is fully cooked.  Next stir in the seasoning to the hamburg.  Finally add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.  Once boiling reduce to a simmer and cover for about 20minutes.  That't it, it is that simple!  Now just pour into a bowl and top with the shredded cheese of your choice! ENJOY!

Spicy Pineapple Crockpot Chicken

I love the taste of rich foods with lots of flavor and a bit of spice, but after that I always feel like a need something a little sweet.  To cover all the flavors above I came up with my latest crockpot meal.  I love using a crockpot as I can prepare dinner before leaving for the day and it is done and ready to go right when I walk int he door 8 hours later!  It also slow cooks the meat to really infuse and soak up all those yummy flavors!  For my Spicy Pineapple Chicken you will need the following:

Roughly 10 Chicken Tenders (may be frozen)
1/2 Jar Tostitos Pineapple Peach Salsa
1/2 Bottle Archer Farms Hot Chile Pineapple Grilling Sauce
1/2 Package of McCormick Fajita Seasoning
1 Bottle Light Beer
1 Cup Water

I always begin by lining my crockpot with a liner, this means no clean up later! Place the chicken in the bottom of the pot and sprinkle with 1/2 a package of Fajita Seasoning.  Next pour in 1/2 the beer and water around the chicken. Top the chicken with 1/2 bottle of Hot Chile Pineapple grilling sauce and spoon the salsa into the liquid.  Cover, set to low and go on with your day.  Return roughly 6-8 hours later and shred the chicken.  Return chicken to the pot and ass the other half of the beer.  Let simmer on low for about 30 minutes more while you cook rice to serve it over.

 Place the Spicy Pineapple Chicken over rice and top with sea salt and parsley! The perfect mix of spicy and sweet all in one bowl.....Enjoy!