An Apron, A Hutch, and A Tea Set

 

“Home is the nicest word there is” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

☃️Hello! Hello! Hello!⛄️

 

 

This is my new apron recently given to me by a friend who lives in SoCal

and…

 

 

below is a beautiful vintage tea set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

which was also recently given to me by another friend. (who lives on the Oregon coast)

and…

below….

 

 is a vintage china hutch with the new tea set that was (yep recently) 😉 given to me by yet another friend. who btw also lives here on the Oregon coast.

 

 

 

 

Ironically these three friends do not know each other. yet 

 

 

I bet you are thinking how lucky I am. I agree

(or just fabulous serendipity!)💕

Without a doubt January has brought with it a sweet reminder of the importance to practice gratitude daily in my life.

 

 

This past week I discovered a fabulous chili recipe that I want to share. I’ve got to be honest…Joe prepared it!😁 (I guess I am lucky!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had been so busy admiring my new apron, tea set, and china hutch putting Christmas away that my sweet husband offered to prepare the recipe for me. I of course let him. This explains why there aren’t many cooking photos since he usually takes all those photos too. what a guy

 

 

MY BEST CHILI

(adapted from Bakerita.com)

 

 

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef ( I used veggie crumbles)

1 pound bulk Italian sausage  ( used tofurky Italian sausage)

1/2 pound bacon ( I did not use bacon)

2 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained

1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained

2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 large yellow onion chopped

1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped

2 cups beef stock ( I used vegetable broth)

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ( forgot)

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

 

 

Instructions:

Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease. In a different pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble and add to stock pot. Cook the chopped onion and pepper in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add to the stock pot drained beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Season with chili powder Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, basil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day. Serve with cheese, onions, sour cream, or whatever chili topping you prefer.

 

 

 

 

Marcia
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10 Responses to An Apron, A Hutch, and A Tea Set

  1. Joe says:

    I am so happy that you have shared your good fortune with us!
    What a wonderful way to begin the new year!!
    Blessings to you!!

  2. Pat Stansel says:

    That Chili looks fabulous —-especially on these cold winter days !!! Are you having a Chili Party ? We like to cook once & have extra for other meals !

    • Marcia Ren says:

      Hi Pat! Ha! You are so kind. Well I must tell you even with all the changes that were made in the recipe the chili was still fabulous and yes it is perfect on a cold winter day. The Oregon coast has been gorgeous with sunshine and winter coolness. (a great combo) ooh and of course I meant to mention that cornbread is the perfect side dish. Enjoy! Happy New Year!

  3. Carol says:

    Marcia…we need a cookbook of all of your recipes . ..the chili looks great…I have been on a soup kick today is potato soup…but I may ha e to make chili this weekend!
    Everything looks so pretty in your cottage….just beautiful . ..thank you for sharing

    • Marcia Ren says:

      Hi Carol,
      Happy New! I’m a soup lover also. This chili will not disappoint. I should have mentioned that Joe put in a day off cayenne powder also. A HUGE pot was made and currently there is a bowl left. No doubt by the end of today it will be time to cook up more. Have a great weekend.

  4. Jenny Bonynge says:

    How fun! I love your newly acquired German china set…a very special gift indeed. It has certainly found a worthy home! Thanks for sharing…

    • Marcia Ren says:

      Hi Jenny,
      Since you have been following me for quite a while you are aware of how I downsized from life in California leaving behind lots of my China. So now it seems amazing that I’ve magically acquired again. All the items were once housed in California by the friends who gifted them to me. XO
      Happy New Year!

  5. Verna Mae says:

    What a great sounding recipe for thos cold weather. Verna
    Love that you shared your special blessings with us !!!

    • Marcia Ren says:

      Hi Vera,
      It’s nice to see you. Chili on cold winter days make everything wonderful. I served mine with cornbread and it was heavenly. I’m sure you will enjoy it. Thank you for sharing in my blessings. Happy New a Year!

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