Chili is one of those dishes that everyone has their own unique version of. There are wide differences in the level of heat, meat and meatless versions, chunky with veggies or smooth. No wonder there are so many chili contests around. I don't envy the judges as there is no gold standard for chili, only personal choice. Ron loves chili and asks me to make it at least once per month. I posted at least one other version in my blog. The last time he asked for it, I did not have kidney beans or chili beans in the house but I did have black beans so I used then and wow, this was so dang good I needed to post so I would remember how to make it again. Super simple, super yummy. I hope you enjoy. Adjust the spices to your personal preferences, of course! Black Bean Chili Ingredients: 1lb lean ground beef evoo 1/2 t onion powder 1/2 t garlic powder 1/2 t cayenne pepper 1/2 t chili powder 1/2 t salt 1/2 t pepper 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes (I used fire roasted with poblano p
Not sure if the world is quite back to normal after COVID-19, but it does feel more so than it has for the last 2 years. This year, I plan to have my annual Christmas Eve dinner after a two year hiatus, with all of the Italian specialties. Ravioli, Italian Style Chicken, and of course the sweet treats. Recall my blog post from way back in 2011 about our Christmas Eve traditions Christmas Eve 2010 . Torcetti are a traditional Italian sugar cookie, but actually not made with any sugar in the batter, the yeast dough is rolled into sugar prior o baking to give it sweetness. These cookies are simple, rustic, flaky and delicious. Torcetti are made every year at Christmas around our house, often times made by my sister, Cathy. Biscotti is something I have only started making recently (meaning my Grandma didn't make it as I was growing up). I have tried several recipes for this simple Italian, double baked biscuit, and I like the ease and outcome of this one the best. There are a mu