Can I ask you a question?
What does it mean when someone “winterizes” something? Is it just checking to make sure the chimney sweep doesn’t have eagles or hobos stuck in it again? Or is it a quick glance at the windows and doors for any slits where evil ice ghosts might slip through at an unexpected moment? Or is it checking the foundation in order to keep the house from sliding away in 13 avalanches in January?
Is that what it is?
I guess what I really need to know is, should I be wearing white glitter space boots, silver leggings, a tinsel tutu and holding a WAND for this?
I really need you to agree with me because I’m pretty sure that’s what you wear while winterizing. And I might already have the outfit on. WHAT?
The only real thing I know about winterizing is shoveling 14 pounds of chili into my head. You guys, this chili did some MEGA MAMA winterizing on my belly this weekend. It went ahead and winterized my soul, my toes, fingers and it winterized my mouth, too.
Are you winterized? Is your body, mind and spirit ready for the upcoming threats of the death season?
Take the first step (bite) towards a more winterized you with a bowl (or 25) of the classic beef and bean chili.
It’s time.
*Tinsel tutu sold separately.
Classic Beef and Bean Chili:
What it took for 6:
* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 Tbs crushed jalapeno pepper (or 1 Tbs. cayenne)
* 2 Tbs. chili powder
* 2 Tbs. cumin
* 1 Tbs. smoked paprika
* 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (14.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (14.5 oz) can chili ready red beans, undrained
* 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
* 4 small roma or heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped
* 2 Tbs. fresh oregano
* 2 Tbs. fresh thyme
* 1 Tbs. dijon mustard
* 2 Tbs. honey
* 1 Tbs. brown sugar
* 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
* fresh cilantro and grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high and add the meat. Brown all over, then add the onions and garlic. Saute 2 minutes, until the onions have softened.
Add the crushed jalapeno peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bloom spices for 1 minute while tossing everything around.
Add the beans and tomatoes, along with all the herbs. Add 3 cups water (or stock of your choice) and simmer 20 minutes.
Add the mustard, honey, brown sugar and cider; simmer for an hour.
Taste it, toss in more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve chili garnished with cilantro and cheddar cheese.
And the glitter boots.
Oh man. I’ve been eating chili all weekend because I made a huge pot of it, but I still want a gigantic bowl of this! It looks perfect.
There is nothing like a piping hot bowl of chili, yours looks perfect-o! Love!! xoxo
Already one step ahead of you! I had chili last night for dinner! I guess you could say I am winterized
The perfect cold weather meal!
yummmmm! please winterize my belly with this too. also, please post pics of silver rockin’ tutu outfit
New wallpapers from Kristen?? I love the new spoons, too!
Oh man, I would kill for a big bowl of this.
I have no idea what it really means to winterize something. Not sure I’ve ever heard that until now! But great looking chili you’ve made.
When I hear the word winterize, it makes me think of getting snow tires on my car. Boring.
This is gorgeous. I think it will definitely aid my winterization process. (That word always makes me think of my dad draining the water out of our garden hoses and sprinkler system when I was a kid. This is much more fun.)
Totally winterized here… for me it all started with a bottle of wine… {ps chili rulez}
Great for a chilly day:)
To funny you are talking about winterizing. As I am reading your hilarious post my darling husband is outside on the ladder “winterizing” the gutters. Have no clue what that means, but that is what he says he is doing. How ironic! Guess I should make him some of this fantastic chili for when he comes in. STUNNING photos!
I love chili and this one looks GREAT!
mmmm i love chili. officially winterized ourselves last weekend
your chili looks awesome & the pictures are so pretty! you even made raw ground beef look not as creepy 
thanks for sharing!
There is something about chili that just melts and warms you up.
Your pics are amazing, and the chili looks delicious.
I think mulled wine and winter spices – like cinnamon and cloves! I also think roasted brusells sprouts, dates and chesnuts. Sadly, since moving to the UK, I no longer think chilli (or even pumpkin!)… but I do still love to eat it! Yours looks ace!
That’s my kind of winterizing. Fill my belly…just like a bear.
Winterized means going to a tropical island and sipping on a mai tai b/c you hate winter
This may be good SOUP, but it is not and never will be fit to be called “CHILI.”
Carrion, please.
I don’t even like chili and this looks good. Beautiful photos.
If I can wear a silver tinsel tutu and glitter boots while shoveling this chili in my face, I want to winterize too! Your photos are gorgeous and making me very hungry.
Perfect for winterizing your soul. I haven’t had any chili yet…need to remedy that!
Heavens to betsy, I’ve never seen such gorgeous photos of canned beans and raw ground meat. How do you do it?!
xo
In California winterizing means going to bath and body works and getting the winter scented candle, my house is officially ready for winter! just kidding
Ready to cook up a good pot of chili once the temp dips a bit lower…
Winterizing checklist:
Wine? Check.
Beer? Check.
Scotch? Check.
Fabulous chili recipe? Check.
Now where do I get that tutu??
Oh yeah, I’m winterized. But just to make sure the process is completed, I’d better make a big batch of this delicious looking chili!
Hi Bev! This recipe looks so delicious and your pictures are wonderful! Please check out my latest recipe for refried bean tacos, I think you’ll really like! http://bit.ly/rI2U4G
Thanks!
I made this Chili last night and it came out great! My hubby loved it! Thank you!
I’m so glad! Thanks for letting me know!
Looks so very yummy. I am going to have to try it.
I fixed this the other night and it is DELICIOUS. Thanks for sharing. It’s my new go-to chili recipe.
Since I found this recipe I’ve made it FOUR times. It is absolutely wonderful. I did mine a little differently..i didn’t put tomatoes in it, instead i put a can of tomato sauce (you could use paste too)..i live with a lot of people who don’t like chunks of tomatoes. i also used minced onion instead of a real onion ( i also live with onion haters. ) I also just put the whole pepper in the pot and some cilantro as well and let it simmer for a while. My boyfriend told me it was better than his mom’s