Good Morning America!  Today I am writing you from 27,000 thousand feet…actually, I don’t know how high I am in the air…but that sounds good to me.  🙂   I am in flight to Detroit…on a mission to Nashville.  It seems a little backwards to me but flying out of the Eastern Iowa Airport leaves few options. 

Truth be told, this is my second attempt to make it to my meeting in Nashville.  Yesterday was one of “those” days….those days where you spend the whole day traveling and nothing goes your way…so much so, that you end up back at home.  I will spare you all of the frustrating details, but the long and the short of it:  I flew from Iowa to O’hare only to turn around and fly back to Iowa.  It was all looking good…my flight left on time, arrived early into O’hare, and then…the rest went sour.  We taxied in but there was no gate for us.  So we waited and waited and waited.  When we finally deboarded, my connection flight was..GONE.  And unfortunately for me, United had no plans to rebook me until 2pm TODAY.  A very stressful hour passed trying to find a better option but with no luck, I reboarded and flew home.   I knew the stress and emotion was mounting but I was determined to “keep it together”.  Then in a split second, a nasty flight attendant scolded me for my buckle not being “properly fastened” and the sweet passenger next to me looked at me and said, “It sounds like you’ve had a rough day.”  With that, I buried my head in my hands & had a good cry.  Leave it to me…there was no stopping the tears!  As I reflect on a crummy day, I can’t decide what frustrated me more…the inability for United Airlines and/or O’Hare to get their act together or…to have missed a Packer win against the Eagles & a beautiful Sunday at home with my family.  My guess is the latter. 

The silver lining…I was able to come home and have a late dinner with two of my favorite people…Ryan & Ruby!  I started with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc…I figured I’d earned it…and followed with Caprese Salad & Pasta Pomodoro.  A nice dinner on Sunday night can make anything better! 

It’s true.  Sundays are my favorite day of the week.  A day of relaxation.  A day at home with family.  A day meant for cooking big meals and cozying up for a football game!   There is something especially special about Sundays in fall…well, for those of us who love the game anyway.  I remember the first time I heard the song “Boys of Fall” on the radio.  It was so nostalgic…taking me back to every high school, college, and pro football game I have ever attended.  If you haven’t heard this song, spend 8 minutes and watch this video.  (Notice the guest appearance by my man, Brett!)  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXDo5WhQXI 

With the excitement of football all around us, I decided to make a quick easy batch of our favorite chili before I flew out to Nashville (the first time…lol).  I knew it would be comforting for the soul and leave plenty of leftovers for Ryan to indulge in in my absence.   Give it a try at your next tailgate or pre-game party!

SPICY CHUNKY CHILI

4-6 Servings

• 1 lb Ground Hamburger (93/7)
• 1 lb Ground Turkey
• 1 Can of Rotel Hot
• 1 Can of Rotel Regular
• 1 28oz Can of Tomato Sauce
• 1 28oz Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Can of Traditional Chili Magic
• 1 Can of Dark Red Kidney Beans
• Crusted Red Pepper
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 Green Pepper, diced
• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• Light Sour Cream
• 8oz Co-Jack Cheese, finely shredded
• Green Onion, chopped

Begin by browning the hamburger & turkery with ¾ of the diced onion.  Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (to your taste).  Once the meat has browned, drain any excess grease.

 

Add Rotel, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Chili Magic, kidney beans, green pepper, and remaining onion to the meat mixture.  Stir well.  Bring to a boil and let simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes.  Taste.  Add additional red pepper if needed.  Return to heat and let simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

 

Divide among bowls.  Top with a dallop of sour cream…a sprinkle of cheese…and a pinch of green onion!

 

Enjoy!   A Boudreau Family Favorite…

To all of you who join me in the air this week, I wish you fast, easy, stress-free travel!

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.