Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Last weekend I was determined to get a handle on all the random recipes and Cooking Light magazines that were cluttering up my cabinet.   As a part of that mission, I came across a recipe I cut out at some point and had never made.    The recipe is courtesy of Kerrygold Aged Cheddar Cheese.   However, I didn't have any Kerrygold cheese and our trainer is not a big fan of cheese in general (unless it's low-fat feta, and just a sprinkle).   It was very tasty.   I put in my comments and substitutions. 

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion (8oz), peeled and diced
1 yellow bell pepper (8oz), stemmed, seeded and chopped (I do not like bell peppers, so I passed on this ingredient)
1 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeno chile (I bought a small one at King Soopers and laughed when it was rung up at $0.01)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 can (15oz) cream-style corn
1 can (7oz) diced mild green chiles
2 cups whole milk (used skim - no problems)
1 can (15oz) navy beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
salt and pepper
1 cup shredded Kerrygold Aged Cheddar Cheese

In a large pan (or pot) combine oil, onion, bell pepper (if using), and jalapeno.  Stir often over high heat until onion is limp.  Add cumin, corn, green chiles, milk and beans.  Bring to a  boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally - about 10 minutes.   Stir in chicken (and then I let it simmer some more).
Season with salt and pepper.   Stir in cheese (if using) and serve immediately.    Crackers and tortilla chips are also a great garnish for this chili.

Le Central

Another installment in my Denver culinary adventures....

A week ago Saturday we had a girls happy hour at Le Central.  Prior to this delicious delight, I had a really good morning at the gym, including my first weigh-in (in no way like the Biggest Loser) with our trainer.  So it was definitely a day for a treat.    After eating healthier choices at Panera  for lunch (apple instead of chips - no soda - no dessert), I was prepared to enjoy myself with the girls.   Sangria, bread and butter, french onion soup, warm chevre cheese with crostinis.    And this dessert.   Named for the restaurant. 

'Le Central'

Ahhh.....I love life.

Ana's House - Finished!

Very exciting today to get an email from Habitat Guatemala that showed the finished houses that we started in June.  What a blessing a new house is for each family!  

Ana and her son

The finished product

The house on day 4 of our build

...and the house on day 1 of our build

Whirlwind Mom Visit

I know that I get my love of travel from my mom.   I know that she got it from her mom.   Grandma M was widowed in her early sixties and spent a lot of time in the following years on U of I alumni association trips.  She was in China, the Holy Land, Kenya, Egypt, and Scandinavia.  So it's not surprising that mom decides "I want to visit my daughters," checks our calendars, and books a flight.  She was here for less than 48 hours - but it's all about quality, not quantity.   There was time for wine, sushi, coffee with family friends, lunch at Blue Bonnet, walking in Cheesman Park, ice cream at Liks, exploring the Regis campus, a nap, a movie, church, Sunday school, creating Mom's new travel facebook group, and checking out her pics from Italy, Austria and Germany.  Mom's coming out for Christmas, so it won't be long until we see her again.  Guaranteed, there will be more wine, some chocolate and a lot of discussion about our upcoming trip to Tanzania. 

And just for fun, a random update:
Outside my window...weather is kinda sorta drifting towards fall

I am thinking...that going to work at 6a is early.  Fortunately I don't do it often.
I am thankful for...having friends of many religions and backgrounds.  Everyone isn't meant to be the same and being fearful or distrustful of others who aren't just like you seems like a poor way to live life. 
I am remembering...that bacon is not an approved food in my "streamlined" diet.   Come on, it was only one piece.
I am going...to dinner at Fogo de Chao later this week.  Yum!
I am currently reading...the last few pages of a book by Madeline Hunter.
I am hoping...that I can get everything done!
Noticing that...Habitat Global Village has come up twice in the past week.  I got a card from Habitat Guatemala this week and then the wife and daughter of one of our pastors were featured in an article about a dedication of houses with Habitat Nepal. 
From the kitchen...all the brownies were devoured at youth group thankfully.  Made shrimp and asparagus stir fry tonight.
One of my favorite things...sleeping in.   I was sadly deprived of that this past weekend.
From my camera...Regis Campus 10.9.10

Now it's Gelato?

A few weeks ago Haiti came up a couple times in one week.   Last week it was Italy.  Do I think it's random? No.  More likely my cue to get on a plane.   What were the signs?

1.  My cousin is studying abroad in Florence this semester.  Seeing her pictures and reading her stories, I want to be going to Italian cooking classes and being featured in the newspaper.   You can see the article here.
2.  My mom is coming to visit this weekend.  She spent 10 days in Italy this summer and wants my help in creating a photo book.
3. My friend at work has had Italy on the mind for quite a while.  I gave her a guidebook for her birthday and she is feverishly plotting.   Normally I would be impatient that she is considering Spring 2012, but since I have a couple things in mind for 2011, it's probably better for my budget.
4.  And if that wasn't enough, I watched Letters from Juliet over the weekend - and if a romantic comedy and the thought of wine doesn't put you in the mode for Italy, what does?

Kaos and Cariño

Last week I had a chance to use my first ever Groupon.   Earlier this summer when hunting for the Pajama Baking Company, we had walked by Kaos Pizza on Old South Pearl Street and thought that we would need to go back sometime.   They have a great garden patio and the food was delicious!  We had the Soprasetta Pizza, complete with an egg.

Today I went in pursuit of something else local - a non chain coffee shop in my general area called Cariño Coffee.  I've driven past it many times and they have a sign saying "Aurora's Best Coffee", so it was definitely worth a try.   The staff was super friendly, when I said that I had never been there before, they asked what I liked and offered menu suggestions.   I ended up with the Latin Mocha....very tasty.   I sat out on the patio (complete with a dog bowl, so next time I'll bring Chey) and cracked open the new book by Robin D. Owens.  Makes for a happy Saturday.