Time for White Chicken Chili

Nothing says "fall" like a weekend of football, raking acorns (yes, acorns, mountains of acorns, I think we have a mutant oak tree!) and a steaming bowl of chili. Okay so you may have a different idea of how you spend the incredible fall weekends. In South Carolina we're glad the weather has cleared, the flooding has receded and recovery is underway. We were incredibly lucky in our little notch of the state where we received some rain but missed the historic flooding that hit so much of the state. Prayers go out to so many who are recovering.

Fall is football in the south, mostly college, but I'm still a die hard Minnesota Viking fan and I have been known to cheer on the Atlanta Falcons. Raking anything, especially acorns is not high on my list, but getting outside gives you a healthy appetite that is just right for chili. Not just any chili, but chili you can put together and cook in your crock pot, made with chicken and loaded with all the right spices. This is a make-ahead recipe that cooks for about 12 hours. Even my "I don't like chili" daughter has given this a thumbs up. The recipe is also gluten-free so daughter with celiac's can enjoy. Pair it up with her recipe for Jalapeno Cornbread Cupcakes from www.blessherheartyall.com and all you need is a beverage and a big screen TV to have a perfect October afternoon.

White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:             

Chili:                                                                                                Toppings: (optional)

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts                                         Shredded cheese

3 Tbsp coconut oil                                                                            Sour cream

1 Cup chopped onion                                                                       Guacamole

1 Cup chili powder                                                                            Chopped tomatoes

3 Tsp minced garlic (6 cloves, minced)                                            Green Onions or Chives

3 Tsp oregano                                                                                  Pico de Gallo

2 Tbsp paprika

3 Tsp cumin

1 Tbsp salt

1 Tsp cayenne pepper (obviously less is you like just a little spiciness)

1/2 Cup Corn Masa flour

1.5 lbs shredded cheese. I use Monterrey Jack with jalapenos. Mexican 4 cheese mix works well also.

Optional:  1 Cup Great Northern Beans, approx. 1 can. (Be sure they are gluten-free or use dried and hydrate if you want gluten-free chili.)

Instructions

1. Place whole chicken breasts and chopped onion in oil in skillet and saute until the chicken is browned on both sides. Please don't overcook. Just seal the juices in. If you prefer chunks of chicken rather than shredded chicken in your chili, cut the chicken into 1" chunks before sauteing. 

2.Place chicken and onion in crock pot. Add next 7 ingredients and 4 cups of water. 

Combine masa flour with 1/2 cup water and mix well before adding to the chili mix.

3.Set your crock pot on low and let it cook for 12+ hours. Cook all night to be ready at noon or start it in the morning to be ready for dinner (that's supper for some of you). Hardest part of this step is the incredible aroma..hmmmmmmm.

4. 30 Minutes before serving:

If you use whole chicken breast, remove from crock pot, place in bowl and shred.

Stir chicken back into chili.

Add cheese and beans (if desired) and mix well.

5. Cook an additional 30 minutes before serving.

Serves 12.

Load on any or all of the toppings above or anything else your heart desires. 

Add Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Cupcakes (think yummy and surprisingly gluten-free muffins ) and you have the ultimate stick to your ribs fall meal. I made them without the jalapenos for less kick.  Check out the recipe at www.blessherheartyall.com. 

Here's my disclaimer. This meal is stick-to-your-ribs. Not sure what I was thinking but the amount pictured is enough for a family! It is gluten-free (and I am unabashingly promoting my daughter's blog) but should not be confused with low-calorie. No way, no how!!! 
                               

Enjoy!

Take Stock
We have got to move!

Okay, so this is a little extreme, and maybe this is not your thing. I only do this once a year for fun and to prove to myself that I can. There is no upper age limit for crazy and benefiting from exercise.  You are never too old to move. 

Let's face it. Mid-life often means the mid is spreading. Along with everything else. You're huffing and puffing to keep up with the crowd and the list of creaky joints and aches keeps getting longer! Yes, the fact that you're busy and moving all day counts, but if you're spreading, your body is sending you, no screaming at you that it's not enough. 

Many of us overestimate the amount of activity we actually perform each day. There's no way to ignore the jiggle and the bulge and the puffing. Take the hint and move more. Walk, bike, run, swim, kayak, dance, climb a wall.... Something on a consistent, regular schedule. Not once or twice a week. Minimum of 45-60 minutes, 3 times per week. Work toward 5 times per week. Too busy? Speed things up and git er dun in less time but with more intensity. Already doing that? Resistance training! Adds muscle, increases metabolism.

Movement is absolutely necessary for good physical health. It's not easy sticking with a regular routine. I've fallen off the ride myself. Only 6% of people are successful by themselves in changing and maintaining physical change by themselves. 

2 main reasons: motivation and accountability. That's where some fun electronic gadgets and computer programs can make us more accountable. The motivation needs to come from a human source. All the great workouts on line will not make you successful. That success rate stays at 6% even for those using digital training. There needs to be a human factor. A workout buddy, supportive family member or, yes, a fitness coach or personal trainer. Don't forget the motivation of new workout clothes. You may be in your husband's t-shirts now but you will want to show off the new you with some of the fun gear.

I'll be reviewing some of the gadgets,programs and workout clothing that are available to you as well as give you some actual exercises and workouts. I will be giving you some options for exercises so that you will not be able to use the "I can't" excuse. (Personally, the word "Can't" should be right there with the other four-letter words.)

I will be here to show you what a mid-life mama "can" do.

No Sweats!!!

Being a native of the great state of Minnesota, I realize that I no longer have bragging rights to the excruciatingly long, cold winters but after 7 years in South Carolina my blood has thinned and everything  is relative. ITS BEEN COLD!!!!!!

Cold March weather makes me want to hibernate and wear my old sweats but I know that the old sweats pull my mood down so I try to stay warm and cozy with something almost as comfy but lifts my mood. Still get to wear the big sweater. Nothing better on a cold day.

Its almost spring break so I have to start thinking about shedding the oversized sweater. Looking forward to more warmth and getting back into spring clothes. I have some workouts that I'm working on now. Not going to wait until the warm days are here and then beat myself up about not fitting into my clothes. Summer bodies are made right now!