HAPPY NEW YEAR! (and a fantastic chili recipe!)

Only a little over two hours to go! Reagan has been asleep since 6. Josh and I have made dinner, watched Pirates III all the way through (finally!) and now that I have a headache from crying (yes, I cry at all sad movies) I decided to jump online to post (a very sad commentary on the status of our romantic life I'm afraid--but really, we ARE new parents!)

Josh and I did decide to start a new tradition this year and make chili for every New Years Eve--I can't wait til Reagan can join us! In the grand old southern tradition, we will be having black eyed peas tomorrow! However, if you're interested in making a killer chili recipe any time soon (since those of us here in the northern midwest will be stuck in a snowstorm for the next couple of days, this is a great opportunity!), here is the one we came up with for this year! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 to 1 1/2 lbs of good lean ground beef
1/2 lg onion, diced
2 tbsp butter
2 15 oz cans of red kidney beans (we like the dark red)
1 can of tomatoes and green chilies
1/2 7 oz can of diced green chilies
1 can of tomatoes, crushed
1/2 to 3/4 cup salsa, mild
shot of blended whiskey
the following, to taste:
cilantro
black pepper
red pepper
chili powder
paprika
garlic powder
parsley flakes
*we also added a bit of Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipolte seasoning blend
toppers (optional):
shredded cheese
sour cream

Brown beef with onion. In the meantime, open the kidney beans, drain and rinse. Place in large stockpot with enough water to cover, add butter. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add beef and onion mixture. Add tomatoes, chilies, whiskey and all seasonings to taste (we rarely ever use exact measurements in this house!). Simmer on med-low heat for 30-40 minutes. The whiskey gives it a wonderful mellow taste and the seasonings really add some intense heat!

Serve warm with corn muffins or crackers and toppings! Enjoy!

Oh, back to Pirates for a moment. *WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!!! TURN BACK NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THE THIRD MOVIE!!*

Ok, I gave you a chance!

Seriously, did they HAVE to kill Will?? And what is with Elizabeth playing hard to get through three movies??? ENOUGH ALREADY! What a moron..hello???? ORLANDO BLOOM???? Marry him already! Ok, those of you who watched the movie know she DID marry him in this one. And I have to admit I couldn't think of a more romantic setting...swords flying, fishmen, a rotting ship.................*sigh* just what every girl dreams of. Anyway, back to Will/Orlando.

Josh thinks I just like him as Legalos in Lord of the Rings. In fact he gets great enjoyment out of poking fun at my fantasy. And I have to admit the green tights and long blonde hair were really doing the trick for me...............buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut.....that pirate garb really does wonders for him too. So, Orlando, if you're out there *and you KNOW you're reading this blog* do yourself (and ME) a favor and stock up on the eye patches, open neck shirts and breeches..hello? Is it getting warm in here or is it just the chili?

Alright, enough is enough for me. I'm going to enjoy a glass of champagne, celebrate the New Year early and hop into bed with my new best friend..my heating pad! YOU try lifting a 22+ lb child every day all day!

Happy New Year Everyone! May God bless you richly and may this year hold much joy for you all!