Crockpot Cooking: Turkey and White Bean Chili

 For a long time I was reluctant to use a crock-pot because I always associated it with some ho-hum pot roast or one pot stew.   I just always associated it with a cu sine that was not very appetizing to me.   However everyone kept telling me that I had to get one because they are a life saver.  I got one as a wedding gift and almost a year later I am finally pulling it out and started using it, after finding this cookbook, “Not Your Mother’s Slow-cooker Recipes for Two” by Beth Hensperger.  It is a great cookbook with interesting recipes for your crock-pot, which is where I got this recipe from, although I had to make some adjustments. You maybe thinking, “wow big whop chili in a crock-pot”, but this isn’t your average chili, just check out the ingredients.  I have also done a Red Curry Chicken, Braised in Coconut Milk, it was yummy and I will be sure to post-it here in the future.  

Turkey Chili with Baby White Beans

Cooker: 3 Quart

Turkey & White Bean Chili

Setting & Cooking Time: Low for 7 to 8 hours; add beans after 3 1/2 hours

• 2 tsp of olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3/4 lbs of dark ground turkey
• 1 tbs chili powder
• 1/8 tsp of cayenne (add as much or little as you want, depending on how much heat you like)
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsp of natural unsweeted cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt, to taste
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1/4 cup of red chili sauce
• 1 15 oz. can of whole tomatoes
• 1 15 oz. can of small white beans, navy beans

Garnish with some of these:

• chopped red onion
• chopped cilantro
• shredded cheese
• sliced avocado
• lime wedges
• sour cream

1.  In a lg skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil & cook the onion until limp, abt. 1 minute.  Add the turkey and cook till no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes.  Place in the slow cooker.  Stir in the chili powder, salt, cinnamon, marjoram, cumin, bay leaf, cocoa powder, broth, red chili sauce and tomatoes.  Break the tomatoes up with a spoon. Cover and cook for 3 1/2 hours on LOW.

2. At 3 1/2 hours, stir in beans, cover and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.

3. Serve warm….mmmmmmm.

KTT: Corn Stripper

Image by Cool Text

Corn Stripper

This little gadget is super handy.  I got one along with an avocado slicer for a wedding gift from a friend. (Thanks Susan, I have made some men guacamole with these two and tools) If you are someone who love fresh corn or grilled corn on the cobb, but don’t like getting stuff in your teeth, then you should check this out.  Handy Dandy.

What sweet cool gadget do you have?

OXO Corn Stripper