What's Cookin'? Chili

I made chili tonight for the first time.  I've always wanted to make chili but really didn't know how.  I've collected recipes, everyone's best practice and still nothing.

Love makes you do things.  He wanted chili and I've always wanted to make chili soooo why not!

He said he liked it so I hope he did.  I really liked it and I'm not a big chili fan.  My favorite is from Wendy's.  Don't judge me.

    

He made cornbread to go with the chili.  Which that was too funny in itself.  Moments like tonight is why I fall in love with him every time I'm around him.  I love that he can make me laugh even when I'm trying not too.  Let me say, the cornbread was really good.  And I'm not a big cornbread fan either.  

Lord thank you for the time I got to spend with him tonight.  I pray that your will be done.  Amen.

Crockpot Chicken Chili

For bible study, I always like to sign up to bring a dish for 1. It's means I have to come, no backing out and 2. I always like to find and try new recipes and they are my testers.

I use to make things for work but sometimes people start to take you for granted and something fun that I liked to do just because turned into a pain.  What do I mean?  Well I would make different dishes and everyone would like them and then start requesting items or asking why I didn't bring breakfast or lunch in because they were waiting.  Or people would want to know why I didn't provide drinks to go with the item and if I ask for someone to bring drinks, you thought I had asked for them to handmake it.  Then people would go on "diets" and be upset that you didn't make a specialized dish for them.  Hogwash!!  Yes, I should continue to do what I like to do and bless them but I will say, I have to do it on my on timing so I won't get caught up in my emotions of their actions.

It was chili month at bible study and I had signed up to bring "White Chicken Chili".  I have never made it nor had it so off to look for recipes.  After looking at all the recipes, I realized that I wasn't too fond of white beans.  I'm not too fond of beans in general but definitely not white beans.  Thanks to Chipotle, I really like black beans and came across a recipe using black beans.  Then to my surprise, I came across one for the....Crockpot!  Yes!!  So I was going to make white chicken chili w/black beans.  It didn't dawn on me to call it "Chicken Chili" until I mentioned to someone what I was making.  I know, I'm a little slow.  I've been having alot of those moments lately.

So I made this for the bible study and brought leftovers to work to eat.  One of my co-workers asked if she could have some (which I was thinking, it was just some that I had bought) and then another co-worker heard her ask and she asked if she could have some.  Always excited for people to try what I make I said sure.  They warmed it up and had some.  Then they asked if they could have it all because it was soo good.  Of course I said sure.  They've been asking for it all the time now.

You can find the original recipe that what Mel calls the "Easiest Dinner Ever"  on her blog.  

Crockpot Chicken Chili

What you need:

Most important: 1 crockpot liner!

1 Bag of boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins (used frozen)

1 Can of black beans (drained & rinsed)

1 Can of corn (drained)

1 Can of  rotel (I used mild, I'm a wuss)

1-10oz Sante Fe Blend Cooking Creme

Directions:

Put items in the crock in order of list. 

I put it on in the morning on low and after an 8 hour shift at work, Bam! It was done.  After stirring chii, it was perfect.  I did not shred or cut chicken.  They were already in perfect pieces.  If you turn it off and let it set for 30-45 mins, chili will thicken a little.

The recipe calls for you to put it over rice but you great with or without rice.

**A couple of suggestions:

I used Bush's Seasoned black beans which is alot better.

The recipe calls for 8oz of plain cream cheese.  I did try but it was NOT good.