Chili and Cornbread

The cornbread recipe is a new one from Apples of Gold and I was really happy with how it turned out. It’s nice and thick and sweet. It’s not exactly healthy, which is why I waited until we had company over to make it, but it definitely tastes good. Although I love Jiffy cornbread too, so I’m probably not that picky.

All in all the meal turned out pretty well, and it was nice to be able to make it somewhat ahead of time and not be worried about last-minute cooking when our guests came. Mike rated both highly, but I can’t remember his exact rating. I’ll update this post once I get a chance to ask him. 🙂

*Edited to add: Mike rated both recipes 3.75. I was quite pleased with that rating 🙂

Turkey Chili(printable recipe)
1 lb. ground turkey meat
1 small or ½ large onion chopped
2-3 stalks of celery chopped
2 pablano peppers chopped (I only used one because it looked pretty big)
2 cloves of garlic smashed and minced
1 teaspoon or more dried chipotle pepper (I used 1 tsp and it was still pretty spicy)
1 tablespoon chili powder or to taste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 packet of chili seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large can (12 oz.) of crushed tomatoes
1 ½ – 2 cups of chicken stock (more for “soupier” chili)
2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of corn, drained or about 2 cups of frozen corn

Heat a large soup pot to “medium-high.” Add ground meat and a little salt and pepper (add a little oil if using all white meat). Cook, stirring and breaking up, until there are no pink spots left in meat (about 5-8 minutes). Remove meat to a bowl or platter. In the same pot add the onion, celery, pepper, garlic and a little more salt and pepper. Lower the heat to “medium” and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the meat back in. Then add the chili seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, and the dried chipotle pepper. Stir all ingredients until blended. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and stir. Add chicken stock to desired consistency. Bring to a simmer; cook about 10 minutes, then taste. Add a few dashes of chili powder and/or salt if needed. Add the canned beans and corn. For thinner broth rinse the beans first. Cook for 5 more minutes. Serve in a bowl or mug with sour cream, cheese, and onions on top and tortilla chips on the side.

Buttermilk Cornbread(printable recipe)

1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk

Mix together dry ingredients in bowl. Stir in wet ingredients until lumps are gone. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes in greased 8 or 9 inch square pan.