The Best Meal for a COLD day....Chili!

Was it really -5 degrees when I woke up this morning? Holy mother of god that is cold! In my opinion the best thing to eat on a cold day is a HOT bowl of soup or chili. Don't you think? And I was so happy when I woke up at 4:52 a.m. (long story) that I didn't have to worry about dinner that night, as I made it the day before! The great thing about chili is that it is even better on day #2 (in my opinion). Most of this recipe comes from my mom, as it was the chili that I grew up with, but I have tweaked it a little to my liking over the years. I have now started to make a somewhat healthier version, that honestly, you can't feel too bad about eating 3 days in a row. I'm not usually a person who can eat the same meal for multiple days in a row, but gosh, chili just gets better with age!

Turkey Chili

2 lb. ground turkey

1 large bottle V-8 or any large bottle tomato juice (I use the no sugar added/low sodium kind)

2 cans tomato sauce (again no sugar/low sodium)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can Mrs. Grimes chili beans

1 c. water

1 yellow onion, diced

2 T. chopped garlic

1 T. red pepper flakes

2 T. chili powder

1 T. cumin

salt/pepper to taste

Saute onion and garlic until tender. Add ground turkey and brown. Drain some of the excess grease out of pan (won't be much if using turkey), then add all remaining ingredients and simmer until ready to eat. After about an hour, taste test to see if it needs any additional salt, pepper, chili powder, etc. Can also be kept on low in a crockpot all day for a nice hot meal to come home to!

Anyone else have a good chili recipe? Something unique? Please share in the comments section, I may just try yours out!

Also - visit http://www.dinneratchristinas.com/ from now through Friday, December 18th....post on her "Cans for Comments" page (the blog dated Monday, December 14th), and one can of food will be donated to a local food bank. It's an easy and simple way to help out during the holidays!