Word on the street is that there is a major snow storm coming our way. People have been talking about it non-stop since Sunday. As of midnight Monday I have yet to see a snow flake, so I will believe it when I see it. When did we start living and breathing the weather report? I mean seriously everyone on Facebook is posting how they have stocked up on provisions and are planning on not leaving their house for the next two days. (Well, that is the people who have taken a break from complaining about the new layout.) It is snow people! And we in the midst of a Midwest Winter, why the panic?At last check we might get a few inches tomorrow and a few more the next day. We have been under a winter storm watch since Sunday evening and it will continue until Wednesday. I am sure we have a good amount of snow headed our way but likely nothing too life altering. When I get a clear and free snow day from work, then I will be impressed.I don’t mind the snow. It means the temps are up a bit and the reflection of the snow brightens the dullest of days. Regardless of snow or no snow this weather surely calls for comfort food. Continuing my quest to eat healthy and lose weight I have been trying some new recipes, healthy recipes. Meal planning is extremely time-consuming, so when I find something that works I eat it again and again. Making double-batches and freezing is a huge time and calorie saver for me. The less thought I have to put into my next meal, the more likely I am to make a healthy choice. Having the healthy choices on hand are key for me achieving any level of success.
Here is a recipe I found that fits the bill. It is a large serving, low-calorie, easy to make, inexpensive, freezes OK, and is kid friendly. The kids enjoy the flavor the cinnamon adds. While I prefer my chili spicy, I just add hot sauce when I eat it. Top it with a serving of Oyster Crackers and you have a truly satisfying meal without the guilt!
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey ((Jennie-O recommended)
- 2 – 4 oz cans green chile peppers, chopped
- 1 T. ground cumin
- 1 T. dried oregano
- 1 T. finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 t. ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt and Pepper to taste
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 – 15 oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fat free Half & Half
- 2 – 3 cups fat free chicken broth (depending on desired thickness)
- 1/2 cup green onions
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic and ground turkey. Sauté until turkey is browned.
- Add the chile peppers, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Add beans, chicken broth, and half and half. Combine well and simmer for 20 minutes.
Num! We have gotten about 10 inches up here, but seriously, I think Minnesotans just think of it as a way of life. Provisions, ha! We went to Costco last night around 5:30 in the midst of the storm and it was pretty empty and the people that worked there were bored.