Slow Cooker Chili

This chili has so much flavor your family will never guess you slipped in some healthier ingredients!  I use ground turkey and whole wheat noodles and no one noticed the change!  I prefer to make my chili in the slow cooker; however, you can make this on your stove top as well.  Instructions for both ways of cooking are listed below.

Ingredients:

20 oz. ground turkey (If you use ground beef, you will need 1 1/2 lbs)
1 med. onion
1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup water
1 beef bouillon cube
1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans in medium sauce
2 cloves garlic minced or 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (I tend to fill my measuring spoon overflowing so it may be more like 3/4 a tsp)
1 bay leaf
3/4 cup cooked, cooled whole wheat/whole grain elbow noodles
2 T. diced green onion if desired

Slow cooker prep:
Brown meat and drain off any fat.  Dice up about 3/4 of the onion.  Add onion, the meat, and the rest of ingredients (except pasta) to slow cooker.  Cook about 4 hours on low.  Remove bay leaf.  Add cooked pasta and cook 30 more minutes on low, then serve.

Stove top prep:
Brown meat and onion, drain off fat.  Add rest of ingredients (except pasta) to pot.  Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.  Stir occasionally.  Remove bay leaf and add cooked pasta.  Let stand covered for 15 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese over each serving if desired.

Grape Salad

This grape salad is an amazing side dish for any party or holiday.  It is also very easy to throw together!  I first had this dish when someone brought it to my bridal shower over 4 years ago.  My mom quickly got the recipe, because we adored this dish!

Ingredients:

8oz cream cheese
8oz sour cream
1tsp vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
3 or 4 lbs grapes (dry)
1/2 to 3/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 to 3/4 chopped pecans

Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar together in bowl.  Mix in the grapes.  (I usually use half green and half red grapes.)  You can use whatever type of grapes you want as long as they are seedless.  Mix at least 3/4 of the brown sugar and pecans to the salad, and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and pecans over top.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Here is a recipe that is great for fall and the upcoming holiday season.  This recipe was passed on to me by my mother.  This is a delicious bread recipe that probably tastes more like a dessert.  This recipe won't help your diet but it will please your guests!

Mix the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl:

3 cups flour
2 Tsp cinnamon
1 Tsp salt
1 Tsp baking soda
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin (15oz can)
1 1/4 cup oil
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

This recipe yields 2 loaves of bread.  Grease 2 bread pans and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  I usually place both bread pans on top of a cookie sheet.  Bake for 1 hour.