Pumpkin Chili

I waited...and waited...and waited but it just didn't happen so I had to move forward.  The weather has not really cooled down enough to be considered "chili weather" but this recipe could not wait any longer.  I make this every year when it cools down and then I miss it for those 8 months when it is just too darn hot to even utter the word "chili" so I broke down and made it anyway, on this 73 degree day.  It was delicious!  Thanks to my girl, Julie Brenton, for sharing this one with me many years ago.  Love, love, love it!!! 

It is so great to put this all in the crockpot and have an amazing meal ready for you at the end of the day.

Pumpkin Chili

Serves approx. 6-8 adults
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground turkey
1(16 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 oz.) can ranch style beans
2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, with juices
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (16 oz.) can of pumpkin puree
1 med. onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Cook turkey, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet over medium heat until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.  Add the garlic in for the last minute.  Transfer the turkey mix into the crockpot with a slotted spoon, leaving most of the liquid in the skillet.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the crockpot, step back and let the magic happen.  I let this go for about 4 hours on low.  This may vary depending on your crockpot.  Mine is super hot and powerful.  When a recipe calls for the high setting, I do the amount of time recommend on my low setting instead and get great results. 
Top with grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives. 
Enjoy!!!

Last Chance

Last Chance, Nordstrom's final-clearance store, you either love it or you hate it.  There is no in-between.  I happen to love it because I have found some amazing treasures that make the crowded racks and screaming kids worth it. 
Here are some do's and don'ts for a visit to Last Chance.

DON'T
Don't go when you are in desperate need of a specific item.  Ex. Don't go to LC on Friday looking for a dress to wear to your cousin's wedding on Saturday night.  This is too much pressure for all parties, you and the store.
Don't bring your kids or any other person who is not willing to go with the flow.  There should be no whining, just shopping.
Don't worry about the line.  It goes super quick.
DO
Do go when you have time for browsing through the racks with no specific clothing goals.  This way you are not disappointed but totally elated when you find an amazing deal.
Do use the open area in the fitting room.  This way you don't have to wait so long for a private room and nobody cares if you strip down to your unders.  They are all thinking about their own amazing finds.
Do make sure to check the clothing carefully before you fall in love with it.  You may occasionally find flaws in the clothing that are not able to be repaired.
Do Have Fun!!!

Vintage by linea pelle belt, retails for approx. $140, purchased for $9.97

Joie Blouse retails for $208, purchased for $5.97

Double Zero blouse retails for approx. $40, purchased for $5.97

 

                                                                     

Black DKNY bra retails for $34, purchased for $3.97 - Nude Elle Macpherson retails for $55, purchased for $3.97

Worth the Work

Thank you, Rachel Ray, for pushing me outside my comfort zone.  I had never roasted poblano peppers and had never used tomatillos until I made this recipe .  Man o' man, was I missing out!  Two amazing ingredients that took this dish to a new flavor dimension.  Scrumptious!!!  Give yourself a little extra time, though.  I did feel that this recipe was a bit labor intensive but totally worth it.