Mango Shrimp Cocktail [P]

This recipe is derrived from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

MANGO SHRIMP COCKTAIL

2 lbs shrimp
2 cups mango, skins peeled and diced
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1-2 tsp fresh horseradish, minced or grated
1 Tblsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tblsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Peel, devein, and then steam the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes if fresh, 3-5 minutes if frozen. Note: you can either devein fresh shrimp before or after cooking. If they are frozen, you will need to cook them first. set the cooked shrimp aside and allow them to chill before serving.
• Combine the mango, garlic and horseradish, vinegar, and EVOO in food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• Serve chilled.

This recipe is derrived from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Spaghetti Squash Bolognese [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

SPAGHETTI SQUASH BOLOGNESE

1 spaghetti squash
sea salt & black pepper to taste
2 Tblsp grass-fed butter
1 onion, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 stalk of celery, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 lb ground veal or beef
1/2 lb ground pork
4 slices bacon, chopped
1.2 cup full-fat coconut milk
3 ounces tomato paste
1.2 cup dry white wine (optional)
sea salt & black pepper to taste

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise so that two shallow halves remain. Scoop out the seeds and inner portion of the squash, and then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Place both halves face down on a making sheet. Roast for 35-45 minutes -- until the flesh of the squash becomes translucent in color and the skin being to soften and easily separate from the "noodles" that make up the inside.
• Allow the squash to cool enough so that you can handle it, and then scoop the flesh out from the inside of the skin into a large serving bowl. Set aside until the sauce is finished.
• While the squash bakes: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter, and saute the onions, carrots and celery until the become translucent, Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• add the ground ceal, pork and bacon and cook until browned through. Once the meat is done, add the coconut milk, tomato paste, and white wine, and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is well combined and any alcohol is cooked out.
• Add sea salt and black pepper to taste before removing the sauce from the heat.
• serve over the roasted spaghetti squash.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Balsamic Braised Short Ribs SLOW-COOKER [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

SLOW-COOKER
BALSAMIC BRAISED SHORT RIBS

2 Tblsp Savory Spice Blend [2 T Rosemary, 1/2 T Sea Salt, 1 T Garlic Powder, 1 T Onion Powder, 1/2 T Paprika, 1 tsp Black Pepper]
2-3 lbs of bone-in beef short ribs
1 Tblsp coconut oil
1 15-oz can plain tomato sauce
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 whole dried dates
6 cloves garlic, smashed

• Rub the Spice Blend into the short ribs.
• Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the short ribs 1-2 min per side or until they are slightly browned.
• Place the short ribs, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, dates, and garlic in a slow-cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender enough to fall apart with a fork.
• Shred the meat off the bones and serve while warm.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Pesto Shrimp & Squash Fettuccine [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

PESTO SHRIMP & SQUASH FETTUCCINE

2 dozen large shrimp
4 zucchini or yellow squash [I used 7 zucchini for family of 4]
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Pesto:
1/2 cup macadamia nuts
1 bunch cilantro, rinsed
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

• Make the pesto first. Combine the macadamia nuts, cilantro, garlic, EVOO, sea salt and pepper in a food processor, and blend until smooth.
• Peel and devein the shrimp.
• Place a steamer basket in a large sauce pot, and boil about an inch of water. While the water is heating, run a julienne or regular vegetable peeler along each of the squash until you reach the venter, seedy part. Steam the squash for about 3-5 minutes Set the steamed squash "noodles" aside.
• Steam the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes or until they're pink all the way through.
• Place the steamed squash into a mixing bowl with the pesto and toss until well combined.
• Top the noodles with the shrimp and serve warm.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken

PENNE GORGONZOLA with CHICKEN

1 package (16oz) penne pasta
1 lb chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 Tblsp olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 cups (8oz) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
6 to 8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste
grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and minced fresh parsley

• Cook pasta according to package directions. 
• In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown chicken in oil on all sides. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan.
• Add cream and broth; cook until sauce is slightly thickened and chicken is no longer pink. 
• Still in Gorgonzola cheese, sage, salt and pepper; cook just until cheese is melted.
• Drain pasta; toss with sauce.
• Sprinkle with Parm-Reggiano cheese and parsley

Mushroom & Shrimp Noodle Bowls

MUSHROOM & SHRIMP NOODLE BOWLS

salt and pepper
1 lb spaghetti noodles
3 Tblsp ged oil
3/4 lb mixed mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/4 head savory cabbage, shredded
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece (1-inch) fresh ginger, grated
1 lb shelled and deveined medium shrimp
1 tsp Chinese five-spice pwoder
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/4 cup tamari

• Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
• White pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cabbage, scallions, garlic and ginger; season with pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the shrimp and season with the 5-spice powder. Stir-fry until the shrimp are pink and firm, about 2 minutes. Stir in the veg (or chicken) stock and tamari. Lower the heat to medium and cook through.
• Transfer the pasta to bowls. Ladle in the shrimp mixture and sauce. Serve immediately.

recipe from Rachel Ray Magazine April 2013

Red Bean, Chicken, and Sweet Potato Soup [slow-cooker]

RED BEAN, CHICKEN,
AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
[slow-cooker recipe]

2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added red beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth
2-1/2 cups green sweet peppers, chopped (about 2 large)
1 (10-oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10-oz) can tomatoes and chopped green chile peppers, undrained
1 Tblsp Cajun seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced
fresh cilantro

• In a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine beans, sweet potatoes, chicken, broth, sweet peppers, diced tomatoes, tomatoes and green chile peppers, Cajun seasoning, and garlic.
• Cover and cook on low-heat settings for 10 to 12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours.
• Served topped with cilantro.
• Makes 6 servings.

recipe directly from Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications "Good & Fresh" Winter 2013

Chicken Pot Pie

CHICKEN POT PIE

1 (17.3 oz) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Nonstick cooking spray
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped (2 stalks)
1 cup carrots, chopped (2 medium)
1 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup half-and-half (or milk)
3 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup frozen baby or regular peas

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 
• Roll out pastry sheets and cut according to dish or bowls used; set aside.
• Lightly coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray; heat Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken, cook until light brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Stir flour into chicken mixture; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Gradually stir in half-and-half until combined. Add broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Stir in frozen peas. Remove from heat. Remove and discard bay leaf.
• Spoon hot chicken mixture into eight 10-ounce individual ramekins or baking dishes. Top with pastry squares. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until pastry is golden.
• Makes 8 servings.

recipe directly from Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications "Chicken Dinners" 2013

click on image to see "Chicken Pot Pie"
via a Pillsbury recipe

Pork Stir-Fry [Low-Calorie]

PORK STIR-FRY

with CARROTS & SNOW PEAS

(low-calorie: about 350 per serving)

8 oz pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
3 Tblsp low-sodium soy sauce, divided
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 Tblsp cornstarch
1 Tblsp honey
1 Tblsp tomato paste
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Pinch of black pepper
2 tsp canola oil, divided
1 Tblsp minced garlic
1 Tblsp minced fresh ginger
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen snow peas or green beans
1 cup carrot strips
2 Tblsp sliced scallions
2 tsp black and/or white sesame seeds

• Combine pork strips and 1 Tblsp soy sauce. Cover and refrigerate while preparing sauce.
• Stir together remaining 2 Tblsp soy sauce, broth, sherry, cornstarch, honey, tomato paste, 1 tsp garlic, ground ginger, and pepper.
• Preheat a wok over medium-high heat. Hold wok away from stove, spray wok with nonstick cooking spray. Return wok to stove top.
• Heat 1 tsp oil in wok. Stir-fry half of the pork until it's cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Remove pork to a plate. Stir-fry remaining pork; remove to plate.
• Add remaining 1 tsp oil to wok. Add 1 Tblsp garlic and fresh ginger; stir-fry 10-15 seconds. Add snow peas; stir-fry 2 minutes. Return pork to wok; add sauce. Cook until sauce thickens, 1-2 minutes. Add carrots; heat and stir 1 minute.
• Serve stir-fry over white or brown rice; garnish with scallions. Sprinkle each serving with sesame seeds.

recipe directly from CuisineLite magazine, Spring 2013 edition

Coq au Vin [slow-cooker]

EASY COQ AU VIN 

[slow-cooker recipe]

(low-calorie: about 326 per serving)

1 8-oz package mushrooms, halved
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1-1/2 cups frozen pearl onions [or 1 white onion, cut into big chunks]
Non-stick cooking spray
5 to 6 large cooking thighs, skin removed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dry red wine [or red cooking wine]
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 Tblsp tapioca
2 Tblsp red wine vinegar
1-1/2 tsp herbes de Provence
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tblsp fresh parsley, chopped
4 cups hot cooked whole grain wide noodles

• In a 4-5qt slow cooker, combine mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Set aside.
• Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of chicken thighs with 1/4 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken thighs to skillet, meaty sides down. Cook about 6 minutes or until brown, turning once. Add chicken to cooker.
• Add wine to skillet; bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer for 2 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape up brown bits from bottom and sides of skillet. Remove from heat. Stir in broth, tapioca, vinegar, herbes de Provence, garlic, the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Pour over chicken in cooker.
• Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 5-1/2 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hours. [I recommend the high-heat setting. The carrots will still have a little bit of a bite to them still!]
• Sprinkle with parsley; serve with noodles.

recipe from Better Homes and Gardens "Skinny Slow Cooker" magazine, 2013

Greek Lamb and Feta Lasagna

GREEK LAMB AND FETA LASAGNA

(low calorie! about 321 per serving)

2 tsp olive oil
1-1/2 cups onion, chopped
1-1/2 Tblsp garlic, minced
1 Tblsp fresh rosemary, chopped
9 ounces lean ground lamb
9 ounces ground pork [or lean ground beef]
1-1/4 cups unsalted chicken stock
3/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1-1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
9 no-boil lasagna noodles
Cooking spray
3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
3 Tblsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion and next 4 ingredients (through pork); cook 14 minutes or until lamb and beef are browned, stirring to crumble. 
• Add stock to pan; cook 3 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Bring to boil; reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.
• Combine ricotta and rind in small bowl. Spread 1 tablespoon ricotta mixture over one side of each lasagna noodle.
• Spread 2 cups tomato mixture in bottom of an 11x7-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles, ricotta side up, over tomato mixture; top with 2 cups tomato mixture. Repeat layers twice, ending with 2 cups tomato mixture. Sprinkle evenly with feta cheese. 
• Cover with foil; bake for 40 minutes. 
• Remove foil; let stand 10 minutes. 
• Sprinkle with rosemary.

recipe directly from CookingLight magazine, Marsh 2013 edition 

Sweet Potatoes w/ Crispy Prosciutto

SWEET POTATOES

with CRISPY PROSCIUTTO

1-1/2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato (1 large potato)
2 tsp olive oil
1 slice prosciutto or 1 strip bacon, diced
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
2 Tblsp chicken broth
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 Tblsp fresh parsley, minced

• Cook sweet potato in a pot of water until fork-tender, 6-8 minutes; drain.
• Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto, cook until crisp, 3-4 minutes. (if using bacon, omit oil).
• Stir in garlic; cook 2-3 minutes. 
• Stir in broth and salt; cook until broth evaporates, about 5 minutes. 
• Garnish sweet potatoes with parsley.

recipe directly from Cuisine Lite Spring 2013 magazine

Corn & Potato Chowder [Slow-Cooker]

CORN & POTATO CHOWDER

(low calorie, about 220 per serving)

3 medium red potatoes, finely diced
2 (14.75-oz) can cream-style corn
1 (1.5-oz) can chicken broth
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 (11-oz) can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, drained
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Cracked black pepper
Soup or saltine crackers
Dollop of sour cream

• In a 3-1/2 to 4-qt crock-pot, combine potatoes, cream-style corn, broth, garlic powder, corn with peppers, and ground pepper.
• Cover and cook on low-heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 
• Serve with crackers and dollop of sour cream on top.
• Makes 6 servings.

Chinese Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Sauced Noodles

CHINESE PORK TENDERLOIN 

with GARLIC-SAUCED NOODLES

(this has only about 300 calories per serving!)

2 (1-lb) pork tenderloins, trimmed

1/4 cup soy-sauce, divided

1 Tblsp hoisin sauce

1 Tblsp tomato sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 Tblsp seasoned rice vinegar

1 tsp dark sesame oil

8 cups hot cooked Chinese-style noodles

1 cup matchstick-cut carrots

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

3/4 cup green onions, sliced

1/3 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

9 lime wedges

• Place tenderloins in a 5-qt electric slow cooker. Combine 1 tblsp soy sauce and next 5 ingredients (through garlic); drizzle over tenderloins. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-1/2 hours. Remove pork from slow cooker and place in a large bowl, reserving cooking liquid in slow cooker. Let pork stand 10 minutes.
• Strain cooking liquid through a sieve into a bowl. Cover and keep warm. Shred pork with 2 forks (or use THIS method).
• Return cooking liquid to slow cooker, stir in remaining 3 Tblsp soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Cover and cook in HIGH 10 minutes. Turn slow cooker off. Add pork, noodles, and next 3 ingredients, tossing to coat. Spoon noodle mixture into bowls; sprinkle with peanuts and chopped cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges.

Curried Carrot Soup [Slow-Cooker]

I'm taking a week off from posting dinners from Christmas so I can post these other fabulous dishes I've made! I've had a couple friends ask for recipe, so I didn't want them waiting too long!

CURRIED CARROT SOUP

1 garlic clove, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 Tblsp oil
1 Tblsp butter
1 tsp curry powder
1 Tblsp flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
6 large carrots, sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground red pepper (optional)
1-1/2 cups plain yogurt or light sour cream
Soup crackers

• In a skillet, cook minced garlic and onion in oil and butter until veggies are limp, but not brown.
• Add curry and flour. Cook 30 seconds. Pour into slow cooker.
• Add chicken broth and carrot. Mix together well.
• Cover. Cook on high for about 2 hours, or until carrots are soft.
• Puree mixture in blender. Hold top on tightly with a thick towel. (the heat tends to push the lid of the blender off)
• Return to slow cooker and add seasoning. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• Add a dollop (of daisy!) of yogurt or sour cream to each serving.

Elegant Holiday: Pancetta-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin

ELEGANT HOLIDAY DINNER:

PANCETTA-WRAPPED BEEF TENDERLOIN

with HORSERADISH CREAM

1 (5-6lb) beef tenderloin [this is a $100 slab of meat, so I used ribeye steaks instead]
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp coarsely ground pepper
3 Tblsp olive oil, divided
14 very thin pancetta slices
3 garlic cloves
2 Tblsp chopped fresh rosemary
Whipped Horseradish Cream 

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Sprinkle tenderloin [or steaks] with salt and pepper. Cook in 2 tablespoons hot oil in a skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes on each side or until browned. Let cool 5 minutes. 
• Meanwhile, arrange pancetta slices in 2 rows on a large piece of wax paper, overlapping to form a rectangle. Sprinkle garlic and rosemary over tenderloin. Place tenderloin on edge of 1 long side of pancetta. Tightly roll up tenderloin with pancetta, using wax paper as a guide. Discard wax paper. Tie tenderloin with kitchen string, securing at 1-inch intervals. Transfer to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, and brush with remaining 1 Tblsp oil. [Since I used steaks, I seared each side in the oil, then laid on baking sheet, sprinkled with garlic and rosemary, placed 2 slices of pancetta on top of each one and stuck them in the oven that way]
• Bake at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes or until pancetta is crispy and meat thermometer instered into center of tenderloin registers 120 degrees F (rare). Let stand 10 minutes. Discard kitchen string before slicing. Serve with Horseradish Cream.

WHIPPED HORSERADISH CREAM

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup horseradish

2 Tblsp chopped fresh parsley

1/4 tsp salt

• Beat whipping cream at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer 1 minutes or until soft peaks form. 
• Fold in remaining ingredients. 
• Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours.

"An Elegant Holiday Dinner"

from Southern Living's 

"Cooking for Christmas"
Cherry-Pecan Brie
Tossed Greens-and-Grapes Salad
Easy Asiago-Olive Rolls
Pancetta-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Whipped Horseradish Cream
Crispy Potatoes with Fennel
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

Easy Supper Club: Bacon-Arugula-Apple Bites

"Easy Supper Club"

from Southern Living's 

"Cooking for Christmas"
Bacon-Arugula-Apple Bites
Herbed Pork Roast
Roasted Fall Veggies
Puffed Mashed Potatoes
Basil-and-Blue Cheese Salad
Brandy Alexander Cheesecake

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

Bacon-Arugula-Apple Bites

• Toss Red Delicious apple slices in lemon juice; pat dry. Spread each with about 2 tsp garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese. Top with cooked and crumbled bacon, baby arugula sprigs, and freshly cracked pepper.

Tuesday: Herbed Pork Roast
Thursday: Roasted Fall Veggies & Basil & Blue Cheese Salad

Friday: Puffed Mashed Potatoes

Fondue Fun: Tomato & Herb Fondue

"Fondue Fun"

from Southern Living's 

"Cooking for Christmas"

Two-Cheese-and-Honey Fondue
Tomato-and-Herb Fondue
Mixed Salad Greens
Mississippi Mud Fondue

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

Tomato-and-Herb Fondue

Fondue:

1 tblsp butter

1/4 cup chopped sweet onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 (14.5oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 tsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Serve with:

Cubed, lightly toasted French bread; cubed, toasted cheese bread; chopped cooked chicken tenders; cooked meatballs; cook tortellini.

• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; add onion and garlic, and saute 3 minutes or until veggies are tender. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and lemon zest; cook, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Transfer to fondue pot' keep warm. Serve with desired accompaniments.

Mississippi Mud Fondue

I have no  picture of this one...got so wrapped up in chocolate that I forgot! Make this, and you'll understand.

Fondue:

1 cup heavy cream

1 (12oz) package dark chocolate morsels

1 (7oz) jar marshmallow creme

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Serve with:

brownies, biscotti, graham crackers, marshmallows, chopped toasted pecans

• Bring cream to a boil in a large heave-duty saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer. Add chocolate morsels, and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in marshmallow creme and vanilla, stirring constantly until smooth. Transfer to fondue pot. Keep warm. Serve with desired accompaniments. 

Beef & Black Bean Chili

BEEF & BLACK BEAN CHILI

1/4 cup olive oil 
2 pounds beef, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
1 large red onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoons ancho chili powder 
1 tablespoon ground cumin 
1 bottle dark beer 
5 cups chicken stock, or canned low-sodium or water
1 (16-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, drained and pureed
1 tablespoon honey 
2 cups cooked or canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and saute until browned on all sides. Transfer the meat to a plate and remove all but 3 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. 
• Add the onions to the pan and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the ancho powder, pasilla powder, and cumin and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add the beer and cook until completely reduced. 
• Return the beef to the pot, add the chicken stock, tomatoes and honey, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and simmer for 45 minutes. 
• Add the beans and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the lime juice, and adjust seasonings.

AVACADO RELISH

2 ripe Hass avocados, peeled, pitted and diced 
1/2 red onion, finely diced
Lime juice 
Salt and pepper 
Cilantro leaves, chopped

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.

CUMIN SOUR CREAM

8 oz sour cream

1 tsp cumin

• Mix sour cream and cumin together in small bowl.
• Serve a dollop in each bowl of chili.

recipe derived from FoodNetwork.com Bobby Flay

Avocado-Corn Chowder with Grilled Chicken

AVOCADO-CORN CHOWDER WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

2 ripe avocados, divided
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp honey
1 tsp kosher salt, divided
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, cut in half
1-1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped green onion

• Peel and coarsely chop 1 avocado; place in a blender. Add water, orange juice, honey, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper; blend until smooth.
• Heat a grill pan over med-high heat. Brush chicken with oil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Place chicken in pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; rub chicken with cut sides garlic halves. Let chicken stand 10 minutes; cut or shred into bite-sized pieces.
• Pour avocado mixture into medium sauce pan over low heat.
• In same saute pan that chicken was cooked, saute corn, bell peppers, green onion and cilantro until tender. Pour corn mixture and chicken into the avocado mixture. Let cook for 3-5 minutes, or until soup is heated through.
• Spoon chowder into bowls (or bread bowls), and top with more sliced avocado and cilantro. Serve with crackers.