Chili Cook Off

On Friday our ward had its annual chili cook off, Ryan has always wanted to enter but hadn't been able to because of work. Ryan entered a chili and won! I also entered in with a cornbread and got runner up. Pretty good for first timers! Here are the recipes, in case anyone wanted to try them out...it is almost chili/cornbread season.

Chili

1. 2 Pounds of Beef Chuck Roast cut into 1 inch cubes. And no do not trim away the fat. It goes in the pot.
2. 1 Pound Ground Chuck or ground beef.
3. 1 Pound of Boneless Pork Chops Cut into 1 inch cubes or 1 pound ground sausage (I prefer sausage because of the stronger flavor).
4. 2 Large Purple Sweet Onions Finely Chopped
5. 2 Large Green Bell Peppers Cleaned and Finely Chopped
6. 6 Jalapenos Diced Very Fine (put less Jalapenos for milder chili but no less than 2 for flavor)
7. 1 Can 4 OZ. Chopped Green Chilies
8. 16 OZ. Red Kidney Beans (That’s 16 oz cooked, two cups if you’re making it yourself or just get a 16 oz can)
9. 16 Oz. White Kidney Beans
10. 32 Oz. Whole Tomatoes
11. 2 16 Oz. Cans Crushed Tomatoes
12. 4 13 Oz. Cans Regular Beef Broth
13. 1 Cup Chili Sauce
14. 3 Tablespoons Oil (vegetable or canola)
15. 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
16. 3 Tablespoons Ground Cayenne Pepper (less cayenne for milder chili but at least 1T for flavor)
17. 2 Tablespoons Fresh Ground Garlic
18. 1 Tablespoon Cumin Powder
19. Salt to taste (I put about 3 tablespoons)
20. 10 oz apple cider
21. 1 Large Can Tomato Paste
In a large skillet or pot brown and drain your beef and pork. Add your onions, jalapenos, and peppers and Chile's. Cook until your onions and peppers are tender. Place into a large stock pot and add in all your other ingredients but your beans and tomato paste. Cook over low to medium heat keeping just below a boil for 6-8 hours (or you simmer for an hour or so and then chill in the fridge overnight. It’s all about letting the flavors come together). In the last hour add in your beans and your tomato paste.

Mexican Cornbread

1. 1 Cup butter melted
2. 1 Cup White Sugar
3. 4 Large Eggs
4. 1 15 Oz. Can Cream Style Corn
5. 1 4 Oz. Can Green Chile Peppers Very Well Drained
6. 1/2 Cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
7. 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
8. 1 Cup All Purpose Plain Flour
9. 1 Cup Yellow Corn Meal
10. 4 Teaspoons Baking Powder
11. 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees and spray a 9 X 13 baking pan.
In a large bowl mix all ingredients together very well. Pour your mixed ingredients into the baking dish and bake for 1 hour until a toothpick pushed into the center comes out clean. This cornbread will not dome up like cake…enjoy!

Our New Arrival

Hezeki Tru joined our family on August 4, 2010. He weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and was 20 1/2 in. long. The c-section went well, I felt less drugged during and after the surgery so I remember more of what happened. I'm recovering, plenty sore (but I have pain meds for that!) and Hezeki is adjusting to being a little brother. Ryker gives lots of kisses and hugs everyday and wants to hold and help out all that he can.

Baby Drama

Where has the summer gone! I can't believe its almost August, our little guy is coming on August 4th! I had hoped for a VBAC, but this lil' guy is as stubborn as Ryker (he's transverse breech). Today we scheduled the c-section for this Wednesday. I'm over joyed, it is definitely more uncomfortable to be pregnant during the HOT summer months. Not sure I could go another week being pregnant! But the baby is healthy and that's all that matters.
Ryker and I have been working on getting potty trained before the baby comes....he's half way there. He's done a really good job, so long as he isn't busy playing or doing something more important! Ryker has become Mommy's big helper, he insists on doing the dishes, vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning the toilet, and making the bed. I think he'll be a good helper once his little brother comes along.
Hopefully, it won't take me too long to post pictures of our new addition next week.

Update

We've been back in Rexburg for about 3 weeks now. Ryker is loving our back yard, if he could he'd stay outside all day long. He's such a little boy now, he explores all over the yard and love loves to play in the dirt or rocks. I'm glad to be back in my house, it still feels like home here.

The baby is growing healthy and strong. He is kicking way harder than I remember Ryker ever kicking! We still haven't settled on a name, Ryan really likes Hezekiah (means my strength is from God) I'm undecided on any names so far. We want a name that has a good meaning, naming a second boy has become a real challenge. I've decided to have a VBAC, I'm hoping all goes well and no breach baby this time around.

Ryan has been working diligently to find a counseling position so he can quit Applebee's. He's had a few offers and has another interview this week. If all goes well he will be able to do just counseling and not have to do any PSR. I'm so proud of him, he's worked so hard to get through school, juggling family life, school, and supporting us financially. He's a wonderful husband and daddy, Ryker and I adore him.

Last week my sister-in-law took some picture of Ryker for her senior project. I had to share, they turned out so well! I love them!