Bizarre Holidays...February 25 - March 3

The only reason to face Monday...

Bizarre Holidays...


National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2/24 - 3/1
Telecommuter Appreciation Week 2/24 - 3/1
Read Me Week 2/25 - 3/2
Texas Cowboy Poetry Week 2/29 - 3/2







Out of these four I choose Texas Cowboy Poetry Week..I love me some Texas Cowboys spewing poetry. WOW ! Here's some now! You can go here to find out all the news on this years to do!



Of course nobody in their right mind would listen to Cowboy Poetry without a heaping, steaming hot,spicy bowl of Chili! My second choice for this week is National Chili Day! MMMMM...Chili! Here is a fabulous recipe I use when the boys have a hankering for HOT!





Spicy Chili...

This spicy chili is made with beef, beans, and tomatoes, along with chile peppers and seasonings.

INGREDIENTS:
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 to 1 hot chile pepper - jalapeno, serrano, or habanero, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup pure mild chili powder
3 pounds coarsely ground beef
1 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano or Italian leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice, or chili style tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
1 cup (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3 to 4 tablespoons tequila (Place one shot glass within easy reach)
shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, optional
sour cream, optional
canned nacho-sliced jalapeno peppers, optional


PREPARATION:
In a large Dutch oven or kettle (Or any damn pot YOU like to use), cook the onions in the oil, covered, over medium heat. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden, but not browned, about 5 minutes longer. (This is a good time to taste test the Tequlia)
Add the garlic, minced chile peppers, and ground cumin. Cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes. Add the chili powder and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Add the ground beef, oregano, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until the meats are no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, stock, cayenne, and bay leaf (Sometimes we here at DivaLand do not HAVE any Bay Leaves..I'm just sayin). Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, with cover slightly ajar, for about 1 1/2 hours.( Now where are those Tequlia shot recipes?)
Add the beans, crushing some of them against the side of the pot to help thicken the chili. Add the tequila (And for the cook two too) and season with additional salt and cayenne to taste. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes longer.
Good or better when reheated and freezes well for up to 3 months, though it may need an extra dash of cayenne before serving.Serves 8.Top each serving with shredded cheese, a teaspoon of sour cream, and jalapeno pepper slices, if desired.( And more Tequila for the cook/chef/bottle washer...After the stoven is shutted down and out or what ever...Just no fire 'K?)


ANYWHO..Back to the holidays...

For Pete's Sake Day 2/26
Spay Day U.S.A. 2/26
Inconvenience Yourself Day 2/27
National Chili Day 2/28
Floral Design Day 2/28
National Tooth Fairy Day 2/28
Leap Year Day 2/29



For Petes Sake Day...I can't say it..alright yes I can. For Petes Sake what is that all about?
Spay Day...All my pets ...Been there done that.
Inconveniece Yourself Day intrigued me until I realized I do that EVERYDAY...Blea!
Floral Design Day...UMMM..That should have been closer to Valentines Day.
National Tooth Fairy Day...That would be "The Boys" celebration.
Leap Year Day...Yea ! Another day to party in DivaLand....; )






This week is gonna be fun!