Go-To Recipe

We all have them. Those recipes we know by heart (or nearly so) that we always turn to in a pinch. I have two. This is one of mine. It's delicious, quick, and elegant at the same time. It is something that can be thrown together last-minute, but also serve as a nice meal when you have company. In fact, I always keep a whole chicken in my freezer just in case this meal needs to make a quick appearance. Everything is cooked together... meat and veggies... just add some rolls (or biscuits in my case). See...





It's a beautiful meal... even before you pop it in the oven.

My other go-to recipe is my dad's family secret chili recipe. I'm going to break the secrecy and share it with you all... only because my dad uses this as a base recipe, and changes it a bit every time. ALSO, because I have put my own spin on it to make it my own. So, here is my spin on this yummy meal.



2 lbs ground turkey or chicken
1 Vidalia onion, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt
1 bottle of beer
1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste, 1 can-full of water
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 Tbs dried parsley (or 1 handful of chopped fresh parsley)
2 tsp. terragon
2 tsp. sweet basil
1 tsp thyme
1 (15.5 oz.) can Ranch-style pinto beans, undrained
1/4 C. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 lg. square baking chocolate
1 handful yellow cornmeal
A couple of dashes of mango habanero hot sauce (I use my dad's secret homemade sauce, but you can find variations at your local supermarket or gourmet store)

Brown the turkey (or chicken), 3 Tbs. chopped onion, garlic and salt in a skillet over med-high heat. Meanwhile, add remaining ingredients to a crock pot. Once meat is nicely browned, add to crock pot. Cook in crock pot on low 3-4 hours.

See? So simple, but so hearty and delicious! You can add other things to the chili... molasses, cooking sherry, etc. My version makes a moderately spicy chili, but you can adjust the spices according to your taste. Go ahead... make it your own! And, just a hint... this makes the PERFECT accompaniment.

So, what's your favorite go-to recipe? Do share. I love to try new things!