This week the word is Brrrrr! That means it’s time to pull out your favorite chili recipe, grab a Dutch oven and get cookin! This yummy dish makes the cold weather almost welcome, and there isn’t a finer bowl of winter comfort food than homemade chili! This particular recipe has a fabulous twist—cinnamon sticks, which adds a subtle earthiness to the dish.(You’ll find many award-winning chili recipes have added cinnamon to the mix!) I’ve partnered with La Mesa RV to travel our great state, looking for fun adventures and cooking delicious dishes in all sorts of RV’s, and this week, it was time for a hot bowl of spicy beef and chiles! Grab a bowl full and devour!
ground cumin
Clifford’s Chili
This weekend a host of local broadcasters came together for our annual Christmas Concert to raise money for The House of Broadcasting. One year our fundraising efforts helped to create the House of Broadcasting Celebrity Media Cookbook. It’s a treasure trove of great heirloom dishes by your local television and radio personalities. One of the most delicious recipes in the book is an award winning chili recipe from Jack Clifford, the man who created the iconic Food Network. (More than 20 years later, about 90 million people agree that Jack’s idea was a brilliant one and changed forever the way we view food.) Jack’s scrumptious chili has won dozens of chili cook off awards. It kicks you with five different spices and yet has a smooth-as-silk finish on your palate. This chili’s base is a combination of beef chunks, ground beef and pork with plenty of onions and garlic! So, grab a big pot and get cooking, just in time for “chili” evenings!
If you’d like a copy of the House of Broadcasting Cookbook, visit www.houseofbroadcasting.com.
By the way, Jack used to say that the Department of Homeland Security had identified his chili as a WMID (Weapon of Mass Indigestion). But I say Clifford’s Chili it’s so good, it’s what the cowboys call MGS–Mighty Good Sop!
Watch my Video for Clifford’s Chili here!
Jan’s Chickpea and Raisin Salad
Clean Eating Spice Pantry
Chicken Salsa Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Salsa Lettuce Wraps
One of the best ways to infuse grilled or skillet chicken is by marinating it first. Often, recipes call for marinating the chicken for 6 hours or overnight. But with this savory Southwestern dish, one hour will do the trick! If you’re looking for a light, satisfying meal with tons of flavor but low on calories, this Southwest Chicken Salsa Lettuce Wrap recipe is for you! It starts with skinless, boneless chicken thighs. You could use chicken breasts if you prefer, but the thighs are super moist and flavorful. They get marinated in a simple combination of citrus, spices, garlic and a little olive oil. The result is a subtle south of the border flavor. More bright flavor is added when you combine the ingredients for a refreshing salsa with a delightful mixture of jalapeno, mango, tomato, cilantro, red onion and lime juice! We’re forgoing the tortillas for this dish (although this combination is fantastic filling for either corn or flour tortillas.) Instead, Bib lettuce, also known as Butter lettuce, makes for a healthful, lighter version of a Mexican favorite! Make sure the lettuce leaves are large enough to fill with this wonderful combination of marinated and grilled chicken and salsa! Light, healthful and delicious. That’s my kind of meal anytime!
Watch my How To Video For Chicken Salsa Lettuce Wraps Here!
