Food That Warms The Belly!

All summer long I have been excited for Fall. I love when the weather has a nice crispness in the air and the trees make that rustling sound as the wind blows them down our sidewalk.

What I don't like is when Fall turns into Winter and it gets so cold your nose and toes feel like they are going to fall off!

It is times like this when a nice big bowl of chili is perfect!

Here is a recipe I made last night. The Pumpkin adds a nice rish texture to the base of the chili, plus it is chock full of nutrients so eat it up!

Pumpkin Chili

1 lb ground turkey breast
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 clove chopped garlic
1/2 onion chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can pumpkin puree
1 can Great Northern Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can Butter Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 small can of tomato paste

Brown the turkey, add onions, garlic, green pepper and spices cook approx 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, pumpkin and tomato paste and simmer for 20 minutes on low heat. Add beans and continue simmering for 1 hour stirring as needed.

Serve garnished with cheese.

For truly good chili never follow recipes perfect. Each person has their own unique taste so if you want to add other veggies or spices go for it!

Great chili is even better when paired with Corn Fritters. These are not exactly fat free but they sure taste good! I found a great recipe here:
Corn Fritters

I had a foster mom who made these every time she made a big pot of chili. I remember fondly the tradition in her home for Christmas. On Chistmas Eve she would whip up a pot of chili and make these delicious fritters. We all sat at the table together to enjoy this warm comfort food. After dinner we would all go in a back room and read Twas The Night Before Christmas as her son "Santa" would stomp on the roof and ring a chain of bells. We all would grin with anticipation until we got the go ahead to come out and see all the presents he left during his visit. She was awesome because we got to open not one, not two...but ALL our gifts on Christmas Eve!!

Every time I eat fritters I think of that moment. Which gets me wondering...what foods trigger fond memories for you? I'd love to know!!