Guinness Chili

Have you missed me? I've been in the process of moving. I don't like moving, it's a lot of work. However, I am excited to begin this new chapter of my life.

Anyway, when fighting a cold, I only crave two things: soup and juice. I love chili because it is hearty and can be made quickly.

First, brown the ground beef.

While the beef is browning, add diced onions and garlic to the pan, seasoning the beef.

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, white kidney beans, and tomato paste to the crock pot. Season with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.

Pour 11 ounces of Guinness to the pot and pour the rest in a glass for yourself.

Mix in the beef, onions, and garlic.

For spice I added diced dried pasilla pepper and one diced habanero pepper. Like I mentioned, I currently cannot taste anything that doesn't have spice.

I let mine simmer in the crock pot for a little over two hours, stirring occasionally.

Enjoy!

Udon Stir Fry

The night before Thanksgiving, I wanted something light for dinner, and the opposite of heavy comfort food. I landed on Udon Stir-fry. I love this recipe because it is versatile to your likes and needs. The beef broth can easily be substituted for chicken or vegetable, as well as the meat.

I saute-ed lean cut loin beef with 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce, and 1/2 cup beef broth. 

While the beef cooked, I partially cooked the udon noodles. I cooked them for two minutes less than the package indicated because they would continue cooking in the sauce later. Nothing worse than soggy noodles.

Once the beef was 50% cooked, I added packaged stir-fry sauce, carrots, red cabbage, bok choy, red peppers, and broccoli.

Stir in the udon noodles and cover for 2 minutes. Before serving, stir in snap peas, and continue to steam for 2 more minutes.

Serve and enjoy! This recipe is great because not only can it be distinguished to your personal taste and dietary restrictions, but also the spice can be personalized. It was a perfect dish before Thanksgiving!