Monday, September 5, 2011

Sweet Potato Chili

Since the weather has cooled off - slightly - it has made me start getting the itch to break out my crock pot to make some yummy delicious concoction! I wanted to share with you what I made yesterday. But I cannot take the credit for this delicious vegan dish. I found the recipe for sweet potato chili over at Stephanie O'Dea's website. She has a TON of great recipes, so I encourage you to head on over (after you finish reading this, of course) to see what yummy things she has to share with you!

Sweet Potato Chili

2 Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 2-inch chunks
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (I used a green bell pepper)
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (I didn't use any, because I don't keep that in my cabinet)
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice

Use a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Chop everything up. Put everything in the crock pot. Pour in the water and orange juice. Put the lid on it and cook for 6-8 hours, or until your sweet potatoes are tender. And that's IT! VERY simple!!

This recipe is DELICIOUS, and it is CHEAP! I highly recommend you trying it! When this was cooking yesterday, there was just something about smelling this delicious dish while enjoying looking outside at the beautiful rain. They just seemed to go together. And when it was finally cooked, and when it was finally able to ladle up a bowl of this yummy goodness, it was heavenly!

Now, go make your own crock pot full of this delicious vegan chili, and then, while it's cooking, head over to Stephanie's page to check out more great recipes! And after you finish eating, be sure to come back here and tell me how heavenly you thought this chili was!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

What a Beautiful Rainy Day

This summer in the Deep South has been horrendous! We have broken a record for the most days of temps over 100 degrees. But for the last several days, with the hurricane season in full swing, we have had a fantastic reprieve from the scorching heat!

Yesterday, we woke up to a lovely drizzling rain and clouds covering the sky. Considering the fact that the sun has been beating down on us for the last three months non-stop with a vengeance, the rain and clouds were a welcome sight! This morning, the rain was still coming down slowly but steadily. But by mid-morning, it had stopped and been replaced by a fantastic breeze! The temperatures were in the mid-70's, and the day shaped up to be quite beautiful!

So my hubby broke out the hammock that he picked up a few weeks ago at a garage sale for TWO DOLLARS, and hung it outside between two perfect trees! We headed outside with the kids and just enjoyed some family time in the hammock. We all enjoyed it so much, because we have been cooped up inside for much of the summer due to the heat, and especially the last few days while the kids had a stomach virus. We all needed to get out and enjoy some fresh air. I was so thankful that God gave us such a beautiful, cloudy, breezy, cool, amazing day to enjoy!


“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” ~Dr. Suess