All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey...

I know I know it’s been awhile, things have been busy and stressful around these here woods. Adam and I both started working at our favorite pizza place, Old Town Pizza (OTP) and are really enjoying it. It is a very fun and family oriented place and we fit in quite nicely! Adam had also started a new job with 2 of his brothers at a construction company out of San Francisco, but they were let go because they were too expensive. The guy couldn’t keep paying them what they were worth plus gas and company vehicles. So now we are all making it work and learning a little more how to work together and I think the true nature of our hippy commune!

That said I am so thankful to live in a place that sees all four seasons, and a beautiful property that I can sit and breathe it all in any time I want. Not everywhere, even in America sees all 4 seasons. Growing up Summer was always my favorite, as I think is true with most kids. Now I am torn. I love the Spring time. The sun comes back out, you get a warmer rainy day than in the frigid Winter months, and of course ALL the flowers start to bloom. There is a beautiful wash of warm bright colors every where you look. I am a Flower Child through and through, thank you Grandma Barbara! To be totally honest though, the older I get the more in love I fall with Fall! The urge to cuddle up with my love, pumpkins, cider, and the way the leaves that so skillfully and timidly poked themselves out in Spring now gracefully and boldly turn to the most breath taking shades of yellow, orange and red. Man, when the sun hits a liquid amber at just the right angle, at just the right time of day in mid November, it lights up like it’s on fire, and my heart begins to sing. One of my favorite things about Fall…the change in weather! So cold and snuggly. And it’s soup, stew and chili season! I love any food that requires a bowl and some dipping bread. I am Italian and Irish for goodness sake. We live of that kind of food! Last week was no exception. I made Chicken Chili. I also had sweet Melanee O’Hagan (whose family owns and operates OTP) and her precious little Rosanna to share in the gloriousness! They loved it. “Mo beans peese!” was all the little one could think about. We also had a fun time coloring with Bryan after dinner, and she even tried to steel my markers by stuffing them ALL in the front pocket of her sweatshirt…some without the lids! HA! I guess she figured that she didn’t need those. Good thing they are washable! We had some leftovers and normally I would have just packed ‘em up and put ‘em in the fridge, but Adam was working that night…he was closing. So I was a good wifey and brought him enough to share…it was devoured! I hope that you try my recipe and if you have a great chili recipe please share with me! 

Chicken Chili

Garlic Salt

Chili Powder

Cracked Black Pepper

Coriander

Cumin

Cayenne Pepper

Beer

Black Beans

Red Kidney Beans

Pinto Beans

Whole Corn Cornels

Diced Tomatoes

Cheese/Sour Cream/ Chives

Mix in crock pot: black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. While they get to know each other, on the stove cook 3 chicken breasts. In frying pan: oil bottom, add chicken, water and beer until chicken is covered. Beer does not need to be fancy. Add a bit of garlic salt, pepper, cumin and chili powder. Boil until fully cooked. Shred or cube, and add to crock pot. Add more garlic salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, and chili powder to taste. Simmer on high 2 hours. Top with your choice of grated cheese, sour cream and chives.