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The Past Weekend

Life has sucked. Very Bad Things happened.

But 2007, as people say, is a new year. We had the misfortune of experiencing 'things come in threes' this year, most especially bad things. And it's over, done, life will now go back to normal. So I say.

And as my friend Heather says - it is a statistical improbability that our lives could maintain the level of badness or get worse in the upcoming year. And thank goodness she is right - I just hope it really works out that way.

So we just got back from a whirlwind trip to FL, NJ and then back here in 4 days and I'm exhausted. We will be home for two weeks and then we're flying out again for Christmas, but it will be a fun trip, which will be good. We've had too many of the other kind this year. You know you've traveled too much when you have a favorite restaurant at each major airport on the east coast...

In the midst of all the flying and waiting, I started my striped cardi. It is my first 'original' pattern that is more than just an EZ percentage system sweater. Here it is - the colors look significantly brighter in the pic than they do in real life. I can't wait to finish DH's sweater & my last xmas gift so I can get back to it!!

Canine definitions of comfort

So here's Duke with his giant 'lamby'...his favorite stuffed toy is always called lamby, his first one was a lamb and for it's the word he still recognizes for that.

and here's Pixie stuffed between the pillow and the back of the chair. oddly enogh she was quite content there until I moved.

Cuties.
 

Rachael's Spiceyhotsuperyumdelicious Chili

Rachael's Spiceyhotsuperyumdelicious Chili
1 lb ground beef
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
2-4 cloves of garlic (to your taste), minced
1 12 oz beer (any cheap beer will do)
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 14 oz cans kidney beans
1 14 oz can chili hot beans (use pinto beans if you can't find these)

Spices
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried mustard
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon hot paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt & pepper

Brown ground beef, once there is a little oil in the pan, throw in peppers, onion, & garlic. Saute until onions are clear. Pour in beer & bring to a boil, mix in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, bay leaves and all spices BUT the cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then bring it down to a high simmer & cover. Let it simmer for about an hour, stirring every 20 minutes.

After an hour, test it for consistency. If it seems too watery bring it up to a boil and leave it at a low boil with the lid off for 15 minutes or until it has thickened. You could also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with water at the end to thicken it.

Drain & rinse the kidney beans, add those. Mix in the chili hot beans and let it come back to a simmer.

Season with cayenne to taste. Add more chili powder and a touch more mustard powder if it tastes like it's missing something.

Serve with cornbread.

SPICEYHOTSUPERYUMDELICIOUS!

Leftover usage:
Cincinatti Spaghetti
serves 2
1/2 lb vermicelli pasta
sour cream
shredded cheese
leftover chili

Heat up the chili, cook the vermicelli & put in pasta bowls, top with chili, shredded cheese & a good, solid dollop of sour cream.