Veggies on a Stick

Colorful AND Tasty- can't beat that!

Veggies on a stick

Don't make me sick

Or make my heart go 2-4-6

They really are tasty

And look so clean 

I bet you could find one in a magazine

GIRLS, GIRLS

Wanna have fun

Here comes Suzie with an extra long one

She can grill it, eat it, & get that veggie fix

But I bet you $50 that she can't do this...

Close her eyes and count to ten 

If she messes up, she's a big fat hen!

Were you singing along to that slightly altered elementary school rhyme?  I sure hope so!  That's the kind of joy that veggies on a stick bring in the food world.  The colors can brighten up any mood and/or food dish!  

And what's even better than that? They are super easy!  For these, we cut up zucchini, squash, and 3 different colored bell peppers.  Can't forget the baby tomatoes either- those are my favorite!

I have to credit Matt for the seasonings- he drizzled olive oil over the skewers and sprinkled them with garlic herb seasoning and creole seasoning.  You can choose whichever seasoning you like or keep them plain.  They don't take too long on the grill either, but if you are grilling any meat I would recommend putting the veggies on first.  They do take longer than the meat.  We kept them on about 20 minutes and the veggies were soft (my ideal).  

What veggies would you put on your skewer?

Eat well,

Bri

Chili Bowl

Sourdough bread goes GREAT with chili!

I just had the BEST tasting chili EVERRRRRR!!!!!!

That is a strong statement, but it is true.  Or at least partially true.  My mom's chili is pretty off the charts too.  And her 3 bean chili.  Wow is that good!  But, my boyfriend doesn't like that one too much when I make it.  Guess it's the "no meat" part or the fact that I am surprisingly spice-shy.  I need to douse that shit!  And that I will from now on... friends, don't be afraid to use spices.

Anyway, all this talk is about chili.  Does it make you want a bowl?  Heck, I know what I am having for lunch.  I am not a leftover fan, but I can do leftover chili.  Absolutely!  

The weather is starting to turn (or has turned for some of you folk), which is the best time for chili and other soups.  There are plenty of recipes out there.  And for the quick and easy cook, there are plenty of mixes out there.  I will share you my favorite of both.  And then, of course, if you are a doll... do share yours too!

My favorite recipe.  It is the 3 bean chili recipe I mentioned above.  Perfect for my vegan or vegetarian friends!

3 Bean Chili

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed & drained
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 envelope chili seasoning mix
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes & green chilis
• 4 cups water

Mix all ingredients in a crock-pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours.  Like I said above, don't be afraid to add in your own spices and seasonings!!  I sometimes add sliced jalapenos for a little kick.

My favorite mix.  For any soups really, I LOVE All of Us Old Plantation Soups.  The mix I got for this batch of chili is River Road chili mix.  All you have to add to is is beef and a can of tomatoes & tomato sauce.  When I do beef, I buy grass-fed.  I believe that if the meat is treated right, it does a body good. I don't trust all that processed feed and hormones that other cows get.  But that's my soap box for you and is just my preference!  

Buy grass fed when you can!

I buy this mix at Canton.  But, you can also buy it online.  http://www.allofussoupdip.com/  I have tried at least 4 of their soups and not one was a disappointment. 

Okay, your turn.  Favorite chili recipe or chili mix?

Eat well,

Bri