Happy Fall Everyone.

Hope this finds our favorite Chiliheads enjoying the slower season and getting back into the routines of everyday life. If you're like us, once the weather turns, it's time for comfy foods.  Check out the following recipes and get the kids involved in making dinner that they will also enjoy. Of course that means everyone in the family gets involved. We used to make it our focus with all 5 kids in the house to try and sit down to dinner together as often as possible.  Of course with school activities, sports and other busy "life" stuff, dinner isn't always possible together.  Just make it a goal to do it as often as possible. When they grow up and have families of their own, they will look back on it and make it a tradition with their kids.

Keep it simple so you keep their interests. It can be as simple as cheesy quesadillas with black beans inside topped with homemade guacamole or salsa and sour cream and of course your favorite hot sauce. Guacamole is super easy. Just keep it simple. Some mashed up avacado's some lemon juice, garlic power (or salt) and fresh tomato's or pico de gallo salsa add a wonderful flavor. Easy cleanup and leftovers can be hauled to school or work the next day. 

Meat & Gravy over rice is filling and satisfying as well as a family favorite.  You can use ground beef or ground turkey.  The only difference is that with ground beef, I add beef stock and with turkey I use cream of chicken soup as the gravy.  In a skillet saute onions and garlic in oil until translucent. Add meat and chop as you brown until cooked through.  Add either beef stock or cream of chicken soup (dilute with water to make gravy) I add a few tbsp. of habanero flakes (habby flakes of course available at the hot shop)  or you can add a little cayenne pepper to taste. A little black pepper adds a nice flavor as well.  While mixture is simmering I have brown rice cooking slowly (rice cookers work great but if you don't have one, a heavy duty saucepan works but allow enough cooking time (about 45 minutes) We prefer brown rice for flavor and nutrition. Forget the instant rice stuff.  I don't have a picture of this one but the kids call and ask mom for the recipe quite frequently.

There are so many simple ideas to get kids involved and cook healthy meals that it's really fun once you get into it. Do you know how many ways there are to cook grilled cheese sandwiches?  One of our customers makes the traditional grilled cheese sandwich but he adds bacon hot sauce! Who'd a thunk it?  More family friendly recipes to come.