Very Spicy Chili

I found a new recipe for chili from the blog I'm Just Beachy and Publix. This chili is quick and easy to make with a pretty good kick if you like things spicy. Here is the recipe with the changes I made.

Warm You Up Chili

Ingredients:

1 onion (chopped); I used 1 tsp of onion powder instead since I don't like the texture of onions

1 lb ground beef

3 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin (my addition)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup; although I used the condensed soup this time, I think next time I will just use a can of tomato sauce

1 (14.5-ounce) can Rotel (whatever kind you like, I used hot) (undrained)

2 small cans diced green chiles (undrained); I only added 1 can

1 (16-ounce) can chili beans in mild sauce (undrained); I added a can of corn instead since I don't like these beans

1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained)

1 bottle of beer (any kind); I used Blue Moon, only about 3/4 of the bottle.

Preheat large saucepan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place beef, chili powder, pepper, and onion or powder in pan. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring to crumble meat, or until meat is brown and no pink remains. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low; simmer 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors.

Serve with shredded cheese, crackers, and sour cream for toppings.

Enjoy!

Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk

While we did not participate in the 3-Day 60 mile walk to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation, the fire departments of Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach were out to cheer them on. We built a pink ribbon out of balloons were many stopped to have their picture taken, and a cold water mister to help keep the walkers cool.

The firemen wore specially made pink t-shirts as their part of their uniform for 6 days to show their support.

Happy Halloween!

Alaska

Last month we gathered up the family and took a trip to Seattle, WA and a cruise to Alaska.

We took a train ride through the mountains...

Took a helicopter tour of Mendenhall Glacier...

Took a ride with the sled dogs of Alaska...

Ate too much...

And enjoyed all the beautiful scenery!

I'm Not Dead!

I've just been busy with other things. Earlier this month I finished my 22 week residency nursing program. I am a new nurse now out working in the ICU on my own, and I'm loving it. I did have some time for a sewing project. Our dogs had the most pitiful dog beds and the ones in the stores were expensive and not so cute. So I decided I would make my own, with the help of various tutorials on the internet.

It's hard to tell, but the fabric has star fish on it. How cute is that!

Fried Apples

I had a craving for Fried Apples this evening. If you're from the South and have been to a Cracker Barrel restaurant, you know what I'm talking about. Mmmmm. With the help of my friends on Facebook and the vast information on the internet I was able to make them myself. Very tasty! I can't wait to add them to my steel cut oatmeal in the morning.

Here is the recipe I used:

2 1/2 cups apple juice
4 large golden delicious apples, unpeeled and cut into wedges
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
4 tablespoons sugar
In a large skillet, combine the apple juice and sliced apples. Heat on medium until apples are fork tender, turning often to enable even cooking. Be careful not to overcook apples. Remove apples from juice with slotted spoon and place in large bowl.

In another bowl, combine all dry ingredients and stir with wire whisk until well blended. Pour hot apple juice into dry mixture. Whisk vigorously until lumps are gone. Pour this mixture back into the skillet and heat on medium heat, whisking constantly, until bubbly and thick.
Remove from heat and pour over apples in bowl. Stir until apples are evenly coated.

Flea Prevention

The dreaded flea season for Florida and other states will shortly be here. Even though this story states that over-the-counter flea prevention is okay to use, I strongly disagree. Having worked in an emergency veterinary hospital I have seen countless reactions to these over-the-counter flea products. From mild hypersalivation to dangerous seizures. I urge everyone to purchase their pets flea control products from their veterinarian. Not just because I work in the industry, but because it's safer for your pets. I wish everyone a happy, safe, and bug free summer!