Classic Chili

I’ll be the first to admit to you that there isn’t really anything special about this chili recipe.  It’s (with a few adjustments) the chili that I grew up eating.  It’s comforting.  It’s part of my childhood in a bowl.  The smell of this chili simmering on the stove all day on a Sunday reminds me of home.  There are many wonderful chili recipes out there that include great ingredients like beer, fresh herbs, various kinds of beans and other fancy additions but there’s nothing fancy here.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why post it then?  When I started this blog I wanted a place to electronically document my recipes.  It has turned out to be so much more than that.  It’s easy to get caught up in site stats, SEO, and ad clicks which cloud the reason that I’m really doing this.  I didn’t start my blog to be concerned with how many people read it every day.  I started my blog to share the foods that I love with the people that I love.  I’m so blessed that people actually do read it.  I’m actually shocked that so many people read it!  I love it is so much, I love YOU so much!

Sometimes it’s just nice to get back to the basics.

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Pumpkin Loaf

I know that the last thing that the blogosphere really needs at this point in time is another pumpkin recipe.  BUT don’t go away yet…this one is worth it.  This is bread heaven, I’m telling you.  Did you know that I didn’t even like pumpkin until two years ago?  I have never liked pumpkin pie (still don’t!)  And for some reason, I was convinced that pumpkin could only be used in pumpkin pie.  Was I so wrong!  I had no idea, obviously, that there are thousands of ways to use pumpkin and I’m sad to say that I really missed out  all those years.  I’m sort of making up for it now, I can’t seem to get enough pumpkin!

My sister introduced me to the recipe that inspired this bread.  The original recipe is from Taste of Home and it’s for banana bread.  It is truly.amazing.bread.  I had pumpkin bread on my mind when my mom mentioned this recipe.  It clicked.  Bananas and pumpkin bake in similar ways, hello, perfect!  I had also made some homemade pumpkin pie seasoning that morning that I was itching to use!

I will never use a different recipe for any kind of quick bread.  I’m completely convinced that this is the best there is: so moist; so simple; so perfectly balanced.  Oh, and everyone you share it with will love it!

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Wednesday Ramblings

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I am sure that everyone is busy getting ready for tomorrow’s feasts.  We are heading to Paul’s mom and dad’s house this afternoon where we will spend the next couple of days.  Paul requested my Spiced Apple Cider Blondies so I made a double batch last night.  I also made beer bread, two dips and some pumpkin bread (that I’ll share in a couple days!)

I don’t know about you but I am ready for some relaxation, even if only for a few days!    My in-laws live on a lake, only a couple of hours from us.  But it’s just far enough to escape the busyness of life here in Kansas City.  I’m very anxious to reach the point of no cell phone service and no work email!

I have so much to be thankful for.  I feel so blessed; way beyond deserving.  I’m thankful for a husband who loves me dearly, for an amazing family, for you, for health, for happiness and for everything that falls in between.  I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving, full of laughter and love!

What are you most thankful for this year?

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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Earlier this year I posted some of my favorite make-at-home seasoning mixes.  I love at-home versions of popular store-bought items, especially when it comes to seasonings.  Usually seasoning mixes are quite pricey and very often they contain some ingredients that can be difficult to pronounce!

The seasoning of the season, without. a. doubt is pumpkin pie spice.  I have actually been waiting to run out  of the store-bought mix so that I could make some of my own.

I hope your Thanksgiving recipes are planned and that you are as excited as I am for this food-lover’s holiday!  I’m actually a bit relieved that I’m not cooking the whole dinner because I cannot imagine narrowing my menu down after all of the wonderful dishes I’ve seen recently.

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