Homemade Ready

I’m very big on any kind of soup, stew or chili, especially in the fall. Nothing says home and hearth to me more than a big, steamy pot of goodness. Rich broth and slow-cooked vegetables are comfort in a bowl and perfect to warm you right up on a cool autumn day.  When it comes to chili, I usually like to make it very thick and hearty. This turkey chili, however, is a little lighter and a little bit like a soup. It has some extra vegetables, too, in case you have have any late zucchini or peppers you’re currently harvesting from your summer garden. In this recipe, I've used canned beans, but you can substitute 3 cups of your own home-cooked or home-canned beans. Turkey Chili Soup with Garden Vegetables 4-6 Servings Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound lean ground turkey 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 bell peppers (any color), diced 1 jalapeno, finely diced 1 large zucchini, diced 2 tablespoons chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cum...

"Beautiful Soup! Who cares for fish, Game, or any other dish? Who would not give all else for two Pennyworth only of Beautiful Soup? Pennyworth only of Beautiful Soup?" -Lewis Carroll A steamy bowl of soup for supper on a cold winter evening is truly a beautiful thing. When it's made in a slow cooker, with only minimal effort, it's even better. This time of year is the worst for me - the short, chilly days, and long, dark nights. Even in the deep south, we get more cold weather than suits my taste. Plus, let's be honest here, as much as I love the holidays, they can be exhausting. There is the cooking, the shopping, parties, visiting with family and friends. I'm really just now starting to recover. My energy is low and something easy, homey and comforting is exactly what I crave. This French onion soup recipe totally fits the bill. It's rich and velvety, and so simple to prepare - throw it all in the slow cooker, and let it simmer away all day. Th...

I've heard a rumor that some people don't adore the humble cabbage the way that I do, but I have a hard time believing it. So maybe it is not the most fragrant of vegetables while it's cooking, but the end result is magnificent - delicious, sweet and mellow. Take some of those crunchy cabbage leaves, cook them slowly until tender, and you will end up with some serious comfort food. Let's not forget, too, that cabbage is in season right now, and is a real bargain at the market.

I am a serious chili fanatic. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - the time is always right for chili. I am not a purist, however, because I do like to change-up my ingredients and play with seasonal flavors. This chili uses one of my favorite fall ingredients - sweet potatoes. I know that sweet potatoes are available year-round, but they are harvested and cured in the fall, and their sweet taste and orange color are just right for a hearty bowl of chili on an autumn evening.