Late Summer Chili

Something in the air this week had my mind thinking about Fall.  I'm not sure if it was the cool mornings as I opened the doors to let the brisk, fresh air in to fill our house or if it was the little peaks I caught of the kids down the street in their brand new clothes and kicks hoping on the bus for the first day of school.  Regardless, something in my mind catapulted 6 weeks ahead into leaf filled yards and brisk football Saturdays.  All of this was just enough to cause me a hankering for chili.

Let's pay no mind to the fact that by the time I slurped up a spoonful of this spicy deliciousness the outside temp had reached 85 degrees.  Oh well, the last time I checked ice cream still tastes good in the winter.  So I decided to find a recipe that would make the most of the left over ears of corn and bell peppers sitting in my fridge and appease my need for a hearty Autumn inspired meal.  

Late Summer Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can diced tomato
• 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon (plus a little) chili powder
• salt and black pepper
• 2-3 ears of cooked corn
• 1/2 cup of your favorite cheese, grated

 Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
2. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add saucepan mixture and all remaining ingredients into crock pot and simmer on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 

Notes: 

• Add zuchini instead of ground beef for an easy and delicious vegitarian version.
• This recipe is based on Real Simple Magazine's Southwestern Beef Chili with Corn.

Timeless Tuesday: First Go Round

Carousel or Merry Go Round, whichever you call it I'm guessing that for you it conjures up the same memories that it does for me.  A special family adventure, a trip to the fair, a day at the zoo topped off with a spin around on your favorite flying pony.  I only have to see a carousel and hear that circusy music to taste cotton candy and Superman ice cream.

This is Baby Boy taking in the Richland County Carousel, his first merry go round.  This picture is just about as sweet as any piece of chocolate I've ever had.

Wow!  Horses, Mommy!

Enough standin' around.  Let's do this.



For those of you who regularly make the trek between Columbus and Cleveland (or further north or further south) may find a reprieve for the road weary kiddo at the Richland County Carousel.  It is located in downtown Mansfield and although sadly downtown Mansfield does not have much to offer these days the Carousel is beautifully maintained and serves as an exciting, inexpensive stop for those passing through.  There is an ice cream shop around the corner and a few antique stores for those who need to stretch their legs for longer than a merry go round ride. 

You can find additional information about the carousel at http://www.richlandcarrousel.com/ .