Saturday, January 30, 2010

How does a Florida girl handle being snowed in?

We are snowed in here in NC. I have to admit that it is beautiful, but FREEZING! I have lived in NC for about 7.5 years, but I am still not used to it. Thank goodness, it doesn't snow or get this cold very often!

My husband thinks I am crazy. I had him go to the grocery store and stock up on everything- just in case we were stuck inside for a week. We have about 5 gallons of water sitting on our counter and our bathtub is filled up with water (he is a smart alec and keeps asking me when am I going to take a bath). Thank goodness we have not lost power (my biggest fear). I am a Florida girl... and I seriously don't know how to handle this weather (besides staying inside where it is warm).

We did take Kate out in the snow today (for about 10 minutes). She liked being outside, but didn't know what to do. Justin pulled her in her car and we let her stand in the snow, but she was terrified to move her feet.

Here are some pictures... and video... enjoy!
Kate standing in the snow... watching her daddy to make sure he doesn't leave her.

Kate riding in her car.

Kate and her daddy.

Kate and her mommy (me).

Our house.

I hope you are staying warm and dry! Have a great weekend! (We will be snuggling up inside!)

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Recipe Wednesday - Turkey & Black bean Chili

As you know, I am trying to get back on the blogging bandwagon.. so I thought I would pick back up with my Recipe Wednesdays and this one you will love! I arrived home in NC yesterday to FREEZING cold weather!! This Florida girl seriously can't handle the cold.

Since it is cold in Florida and all over the US.. I thought this recipe would be perfect. It is so fast to make and really delicious. I am not a big Chili fan (mainly because of those huge kidney beans found in most chili), but I love this recipe. We make it a couple times of month when the weather turns cold. My husband requested it last night.. so it is what we are having for dinner tonight. For those of you who started your New Years diet.. this is a healthy meal (if you omit the cheese).


Here it is.. Enjoy!


Turkey / Black bean Chili


10 ounces lean ground turkey

1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 (14 oz) cans Stewed Tomatoes (We don't like big tomato chunks, so I put them in a food processor or chopper to chop them up)

2 (14 oz) cans Black Beans (drained.. FYI - I don't usually drain them, I just dump the whole can in)

1 can tomato paste (you can use the whole can or less depending on how you like the thickness of your chili.. we like it thick)

1/4 cup of Taco Seasoning

2 Cups Shredded Mexican Cheese

Sour Cream (for garnish)

Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Chopped Red Onion (for garnish)


Directions:

- In a large resealable bag, toss raw ground turkey with flour until it is absorbed into meat.

- Heat oil in a wide 2 quart pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

- Crush the tomatoes and add tomatoes and liquid to turkey.

- Add beans, tomato paste and taco seasoning.

-Simmer over medium-low heat until chili is slightly thick, about 8 minutes.

- Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese until melted.


Serve warm with a side of cornbread or corn chips.