Surprise Snow and a Batch of Chili

Sunday afternoon began with what could only qualify as a blizzard. Huge snowflakes cascaded from the heavens. If it were early December, I would have been in heaven.

IF it were December.

But it's not. It is late March and all I want is sunshine and spring time and dresses.

Nevertheless, I recognized that it was likely (hopefully!) my last chance to make chili for the season. So I raided the cupboards and threw everything into the crockpot before heading to work on Monday.

When I returned, this awaited me.

It was a good batch, if I do say so myself. The right level of spicy without making me breathe fire. I put butter beans in, which are some of favorites. And it provided the perfect warming touch for such a surprising snowy day.

With my chili? You might think cornbread. Or crackers. Or sour cream. And you would be wrong.

Peanut butter sandwich. I thought that this was completely normal, but maybe it's a Freeport, Illinois thing. Or a Beach family thing. I have since been told that this is weird and unheard of. Hmm. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it people.

I don't really follow a recipe for chili-making. It involves whatever I have on hand and unmeasured spices. That being said, I did my best to sum it up for any curious invisible internet friends. Enjoy!

Surprise Snowstorm Chili
2 lb. ground turkey (or beef)
1 onion, chopped
1 can tomato sauce
1, 4 oz. can tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
1 can butter beans
2 T. chili powder
1 T. cumin
1/2 t. cayenne pepper

Brown up your ground turkey or meat of choice. Toss it into the crockpot with everything else and let simmer on high for an hour, then low another 3 hours or so. Serve with peanut butter sandwiches if you're feeling adventurous.