Three Kings Celebration, Spicy Chili and Letting Go
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Chloe, (in full King costume) preparing for the Three Kings Celebration by writing something she loves about each member of our family on pretty little star cutouts.
The plan was to have a family dinner feast for Three Kings Day, also the twelveth day of Christmas. We decided to cutout little stars from some beautiful papers, 16 in all, and when you received your stars at the end of the dinner you would have 3 stars with little messages of love on them. Lucas was exempt from the writing of messages, although he ended up with 4 sweet stars all his own! Also on the menu were pink sparkly drinks such as a King might himself drink.
I did not plan on the intense sinus infection that was going to show itself in the form of one nasty headache. By the time Patrick got home I could barely see and tried to hold it together for the dinner. However, I did end up in bed and stars were given out in the morning. To quote Patrick, "Why didn't you just tell me you didn't feel well?" Who likes to let go of a great plan? Not me.
Moving onto Chili. Patrick makes a great chili. The other day he made a phenomenal chili. It was spicy and rich and with the right wine...! We had a bottle of wine that was a Christmas gift and it was our favorite yet. If you can find it, indulge. Chateau Martinet, St Emilion Grand Cru 2003, Bordeaux blend.
Make this early in the day so it can simmer on the stove.
1 red onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1T chili powder
1T cumin
1t cayenne (this is a lot, add 1/2 if it sounds too spicy)
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 cup of organic beef broth
2 cans of black beans strained and rinsed
Brown the meat in a small amount of olive oil, remove onto a paper towel. Saute the onion until soft, add garlic and peppers for about 5 minutes. Add spices and saute for another minute. Add the meat back in as well as the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours. Easy! Top with avacado, cilantro, some nice raw cheddar cheese and if you wish, some corn chips on the side.