A good day to use the crock-pot!

Whew! My first post on my first blog! Yeah..... let's just see how long I can last. Typing up witty commentary and original ideas all while feeding my little "snack-aholics" and making sure they don't destroy every room in the house may be quite the challenge.

So, I am going to start out nice and slow with a simple crock-pot recipe.

Aaaahh... I love those days when the house is clean and the aroma of dinner and freshly baked bread fill the house by the early afternoon. Too bad today is NOT one of those days! Uggg! However, it is a good day to get a head start on dinner so I can take a nap. So let's get started...

Chicken Chili

• 1 lb. chicken sausage

I find this at Safeway. It is a pretty pricey if you don't find it on sale.

• 1 can red kidney beans

• 1 can black beans

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1/2 of a green pepper, chopped 

• 1/4 of a medium onion, chopped

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced (I really just use a garlic press. Way easier!)

• Chicken broth, approx. 5 cups, add more or less depending if you want it "soupy" or "stew-y." (I used "Better than Bouillon" and water, because that is all I had on hand)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

First, just cook and crumble the chicken sausage on high heat. Then add to crock-pot, grease and all!

Mmmmm......this stuff smells amazing!

Pop open cans, drain and rinse the kidney and black beans, and chop up veggies.

Then just throw all of your ingredients in! Cover and cook (Low for at least 8 hours or on High for at least 4 hours).

Kiddos decided to reorganize Mommy's protein shakes in the meantime.

Pretty simple right? Our family prefers it served with shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips, but it would be delicious with corn bread, rolls, tortilla chips, lettuce leafs, or whatever else you like with chili.