White Chili

I didn't start off this morning thinking I would fix chili.  I did, however, see two large jars filled with northern white beans.  So I took the jars out of the pantry and put some beans in water to soak shortly after breakfast.  Maybe a bean and vegetable soup, I thought.  I had planned to take another long walk and then get some things done around the house before work again tomorrow.  But, my husband had a different itinerary for the day.  We headed out to Costco and then a long list of other stores followed.  The pantry shelves were calling for new items with my husband and two sons still at home on Christmas break. As I stood in the parking lot, loading purchases, with a cold wind blowing through my jacket, a hot bowl of soup sounded like it would hit the spot (and a long walk sounded way less appealing).  A quick Google search as we walked through Lowes, and I had a good idea of what I was going to make..a white chili.  Aren't smart phones great!?  (see the recipe below the photos)

Following is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried white beans
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3/4 cup diced onion
• 2 cans chopped green chiles 
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder

Directions

Rinse beans well, cover with cool water, and soak for 6 hours. Drain.

In a dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and saute for 5 minutes.  Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.   Add chicken broth, water, drained beans and green chiles. Add cumin, oregano, pepper, and chili powder. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Serve with sour cream, grated cheese, and tortilla chips...or cornbread...or crackers.  Enjoy!

Warm Wishes and Warm Soup,
M.S.M.

Crisp day and a long walk.

Dear Friends,

I took a nice long walk in the Clive greenbelt.  It was cold, crisp, and surprisingly busy. Plenty of people biking, jogging, and walking.  And as usual the animals that live there were very busy taking care of their families.  I saw a herd of deer.  You can see a few below, but there were several more in that same group that are hidden by their color and the foliage.  There were many, many, funny, busy squirrels...running, chasing, jumping between trees.  Feathered friends abound...with ducks, and cardinal and countless other birds.

Wishing you a wonderful day,

M.S.M.

Deer wearing their winter colors

An enhanced version

ice

footprints along the creek

Rushing water under the bridge

There are mallards swimming through the narrow part of the creek

The red dot is a cardinal.  Tons of them flying around the greenbelt.