Chili

I made this chili a few weeks ago and we thoroughly enjoyed it. So I decided to write down what I put in it since I don't ever follow a recipe when making chili. And consequently it turns out different each time I make it. Dave wanted me to write down this combo, though, so he can have this same chili again.

Ingredients:
2.5 - 3 lbs ground meat (I mixed turkey and beef), browned with garlic powder and salt and drained
2 packs chili seasoning mix
2 bell peppers, diced (I chopped them up fine in the food processor)
1 large onion, diced (again, I used the food processor)
1 28 oz can tomato sauce
1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1 regular sized jar Ragu Traditional sauce
1 can chili beans in sauce, not drained
2 cups water
2-3 tbs sugar
2-3 tbs chili powder
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs garlic powder
hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste

Put browned meat, bell peppers and onions in a large pot. Let saute for a few minutes. Add chili seasoning packets and next 8 ingredients, stirring well after each addition. Let simmer on medium-low for 30-60 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce as desired after simmering. Garnish with shredded cheese, diced onion, sour cream, etc.

Baked Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

I have made this several times and we have gobbled it up! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort.

Ingredients:
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1/4 to 1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheese, divided (Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, Cheddar, etc.)
10 (6 in) corn tortillas
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (15 oz) can hunts tomato sauce
1/2 cup whipping cream

Instructions:
Stir together first 6 ingredients and 1 cup cheese in large bowl until mixed thoroughly. Heat tortillas in microwave according to package directions. Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each warm tortilla and roll up. Place in lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Cook diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and cream in 1 1/2 to 2 quart saucepan over med-high heat until thoroughly heated. Pour tomato mixture evenly over tortillas, spreading to cover ends of tortillas. Sprinkle dish with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until cheese melts and tomato mix bubbles. Garnishes: sour cream, shredded lettuce, sliced/chopped olives, sliced/chopped jalapenos, etc.

Easy Black Bean Soup

This is a super easy and fast recipe. And it is delicious!

Ingredients:
3 cans Ranch Style black beans, undrained
2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes, with juice (you can also use diced tomatoes with chilies)
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
2-3 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 - 1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 - 1 tsp onion powder
1/2 - 1 tsp garlic powder
1 - 2 tsp hot sauce
salt to taste

Instructions:
Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook 4 to 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low.