Signs of Fall . . . I Surrender

 I surrender.  That's what it feels like when I give in and turn on the furnace while putting on a pair of slippers . . . I'm admitting that summer is over and that makes me kinda sad because summer is my favorite season.  But in the spirit of the first day of autumn, I decided to try a new chili recipe that my boss gave me . . . BEST chili I've ever had in my life!  (Recipe below)

My second nod to autumn was to add Pumpkin Butter Cornbread to our dinner (Recipe Below).  I'm not a great fan of pumpkin or pumpkin butter but this sounded worth trying and I'm SO glad I did!

It came out moist, thick and such a pretty, golden color.  It's low in fat so unlike some cornbreads, this one is actually rather healthy.

So I've turned on the furnace, donned my slippers, rustled up some autumn 'eats' and I'm half way through with my fall decorating.

I was shocked at how many fall decorations I have and how long it is taking to get them up!  Here's a little sneak peak at my mantle/nook.  Not too many changes from last year, just some tweaking and moving things to different spots.  How about you?  Are you completely changing your fall look this year, keeping it the same or doing a little 'tweaking' of your own?  I surrender.  Happy Fall Y'all :)

Chay's Chili (My boss's friend gave her this recipe)

Ground beef (I used turkey)

16 oz. crushed tomatoes

1 white onion, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can corn

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 c sliced roasted red peppers (use ones in a jar w/juice)

3 oz. BBQ sauce

2 T cumin

Chili powder to taste

Pepper to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Garlic powder to taste

Green jalapeno Tabasco (I didn't have this and it tasted fine)

Saute onions and garlic in oil; add turkey (or beef and brown.  Add crushed tomatoes and stir. Add corn, beans, red peppers.  Add spices and BBQ sauce.  Cover and simmer at least an hour or more.  To serve, top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream (I just used fat free sour cream and it was delicious.)

Pumpkin Butter Cornbread

1 cup flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup cornmeal

2 eggs (I used Egg Beaters)

1 cup pumpkin purée

1/4 cup vegetable oil  (I used Canola oil)

1/4 cup milk (I used skim milk)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease an 8×8″ square or round baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, spices, brown sugar, and cornmeal.  In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs, and then stir in the pumpkin, oil, milk. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined, and then pour the batter into the pan, Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.  Check often -- over baking can make cornbread very dry.

Linking to these parties this week . . .

The DIY Showoff   http://diyshowoff.com/

Knick of Time Tuesday http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/

Marvelous Mondays http://www.jamscorner.com/

Uncommonly Yours http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

Cedar Hill Ranch http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/

Savvy Southern Style http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Ivy and Elephants http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/

From My Front Porch to Yours http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/

The Brambleberry Cottage http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

French Country Cottage http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

The Charm of Home http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

At the Picket Fence http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

While He Was Napping http://whilehewasnapping.blogspot.com/

Funky Junk Interiors http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/

Sisters of the Wild West http://www.sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com/

Under the Table and Dreaming http://www.bystephanielynn.com/