My Mother's Quick Chili

When I was growing up I can remember my Mom making the best chili in the world. It was nothing fancy..but it would fill you up...and warm you up when the weather was cold! After spending way to much time trying to figure out meals for this week...I thought I would make this and see what my hubby thought. Well....it was a huge hit! Thanks for coming through in a pinch Mom :)


1 lb. ground chuck
1 pkg. Frenches Chili~O mix
1 can Bush's chili beans
1 can dark kidney beans
1 can chili ready tomatoes
1/2 cup water

Brown and drain ground chuck. Drain and rinse kidney beans. Toss in slow cooker with remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours. Enjoy :)

**Like I said...short and sweet!**

Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup

I saw this recipe on an episode of Everyday Italian. It looked so good...and was so quick and easy to make. I just had to give it a try.


3 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (26-oz) jar marinara sauce (recommended: San Marzano brand)
2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth
1 (15-oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Warm the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the jar of marinara sauce, chicken broth, cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, pasta, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve!!