Black Bean Chili

 

all in one pot, black bean chili {via simply happenstance}

:: Black Bean Chili ::

Can you believe that Halloween is this week? We are still waiting on costumes {delivery takes a bit longer now that we are living in the mountains}. It looks like we have a super girl, batman, a werewolf, and obi wan kenobi! Ha! An eclectic bunch, for sure!

I thought I’d share with you one of our favorite Halloween traditions…. chili! I don’t think we are alone in this one. I have lots of friends that make a big pot of warm chili for a quick and easy dinner on Halloween night! This recipe is one of my favorites, as it is loaded with healthy vegetables and hearty black beans. I also like that it’s hard to mess up. Measurements aren’t really a necessity {as long as you don’t go overboard with the optional hot peppers and spices}. Also, you can adjust the recipe as needed to suit your own taste… even adding in ground turkey or beef, if you’d like. The best part about this recipe is that it’s ALL IN ONE POT! That’s right! Way less clean up, my friends! With four kids… I am completely over the clean up process…. plus less time cleaning up, means more time enjoying your sweet littles! 

So, without further ado, here is the dream dish…. easy, healthy, and completely delish! [Read more…]

Creamy Corn Chowder

 

Creamy Corn Chowder {Simply Happenstance}

:: Creamy Corn Chowder ::

Have you ever had the corn chowder from Mimi’s Cafe? That soup was my inspiration behind this quick, easy, and flavorful autumn meal! {I actually haven’t been there in years… but I have fond memories of that warm, comforting dish!} This recipe is extremely easy using only a few ingredients. It can be made vegetarian, effortlessly, by omitting the bacon. It can also be made healthier by using milk in place of half & half, or heavy cream…. it’s your choice! I decided not to skimp on the creaminess… so I went with the heavy cream. {It was just one of those days!} The corn chowder turned out rich, creamy, and delicious friends! Paired with warm, crusty french bread… you have the perfect fall meal! I hope you enjoy!  [Read more…]

Turkey Meatloaf with Spinach & Mozzarella

meatloaf

 :: Turkey Meatloaf with Spinach & Mozzarella ::

Looking for a healthy, easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This has been a family favorite for many years! One of my dear friends gave me this recipe when my oldest son was a toddler. We’ve been eating it ever since! This isn’t your traditional meatloaf. It’s healthier with the use of ground turkey instead of ground beef.  A layer of fresh spinach topped with shredded mozzarella {optional} is rolled up inside, keeping this dish flavorful and moist! This is one of those great meals that you can prepare earlier in the day and throw into the fridge until you are ready to cook. Also… there really is no need to measure. It just takes a pinch of this and a pinch of that to add flavor! [Read more…]

Crock Pot Spaghetti

 

:: Crock Pot Spaghetti ::

Welcome, Back to School!  That being said, things are about to get crazy around here… time to pull out the crock pot and make a little plan ahead Crock Pot Spaghetti for dinner.  Whew! With the kids in soccer, school, and therapy we have a busy Fall season.  Meal planning is something Sara and I are really trying to add into our weekly schedules.  It helps to run a smooth household, as well as, fewer trips to the grocery store.  This Crock Pot Spaghetti Recipe is one that I created based on my favorites… pasta, chicken sausage, and turkey meat.  These little gems from my neighbor’s backyard, inspired me to think of a sauce that, though canned {tomatoes}, can be full of flavor over a slow cooking process. [Read more…]

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

  

:: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars ::

When it comes to baking, you just can’t go wrong with a recipe that calls for a crumbly mixture of butter, brown sugar, and oatmeal {am I right?}! Combine those ingredients with your favorite flavor of jam {yum!} and you are left with a rich and chewy bar that you can enjoy as a snack or even served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! These delicious bars also pack perfectly in kids lunches and would make a nice treat for a friend!

We were fortunate to have a  jar of super sweet homemade strawberry jam that a friend had made for us in our fridge. I used it in this recipe… and I am sure it enhanced the pure tastiness! Although I used strawberry, you can use any flavor of jam of your liking. Peach… raspberry…. blackberry…. whatever you fancy or have readily available! The buttery, brown sugar oatmeal mixture is used for the base of the bar…. and the crumbly topping! It is super easy to make with only one-bowl needed!

The original recipe was taken from one of our favorites {the Pioneer Woman}. Nicole and I love all of her recipes… but as usual, we tend to make a few adaptations based on the ingredients we have on hand. Since my jam was very sweet… I cut back on the brown sugar. I also used half whole wheat flour and half white all-purpose to make it a tad bit healthier {hmm… not sure if that’s possible with all of that butter}!! Any way that you choose to do it… they are sure to come out delicious! Enjoy!  

[Read more…]