Football has officially begun!

Just another amazing bounty from our local farmer's market. Best loot ever!

Hello out there in Internet-world! As you may have realized, I take the title role of "Biggest Slacker" EVER! But I am back! (& better than ever!) I'm going to attempt to play catch-up this week - I have tons of pics & awesome recipes that I think are worth sharing & even better to eat! & I'm coming back at cha with 2 bomb-ass recipes I consider "Football Party Worthy". The dip is an especially big hit around here this time of year & the chili is also well-received by vegans & non-vegans alike! Hope you enjoy!

GREEN'S ARTICHOKE-JALAPENO DIP
serves 6 - 10 (or sometimes 2 when my hubby & I are pigging out!! Bad, I know but SOOO good!)

The real point of this dip is pure spicy indulgence. The spicier the better. & those big football-lovin' meat heads that have taken over your living room for the next few months are gonna go nuts over this dip

- 10 of the best jalapenos you can get your hands on, minced very small & keep the seeds from at least half of the peppers (any other super spicy pepper will work as well just scale down the amount you out in depending on their hotness factor!)

- 4 cans artichoke hearts in water, drained & rinsed

- 2 heaping tbsp minced garlic

- 1 1/2 - 2 generous cups Vegenaise 

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups Parma! or any vegan Parmesan

- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper

- 1 tbsp onion powder

- 1 - 3 tsp sea salt

- 1 - 3 tsp finely ground black pepper

- Big bag of chips for dipping (I like to serve this dip with Garden of Eatin's Red Hot Blues - blue corn chips slathered in cayenne pepper - this dish is certainly not for wimps!) along with your favorite crudites

1. Preheat the oven to 350. 

2. Spread out the artichoke hearts on a large cutting board & start chopping. Now totally obliterate these, you want to leave some nice big chunks - that's the BEST when you're dipping! Transfer these precious gems to a large mixing bowl. 

3. Add jalapenos & garlic. Stir gently to combine.

4. Add the Vegenaise & Parma. Fold in the artichoke heart mixture until well- combined. 

5. Lastly, add all those delicious spices & again, combine well. Transfer to a large baking dish.

6.  Let cook for 25 - 30 minutes. Sprinkle with extra cayenne if desired & serve HOT! 

This went so fast last time, I wasn't even able to get a picture of it coming out of the oven!

My gorgeous man filling up on dip!

DA BOMB! CHILI

serves 8 - 10

The great thing about this dish is the little time it really takes to make it since it cooks in the slow-cooker! Soak the beans the night before & pop all the ingredients into the slow-cooker in the morning & presto! Dinner! It could not be easier! Great with some homemade vegan cornbread!

- 1/2 cup dried black beans

- 1/2 cup dried cannellini beans

- 1/2 cup dried kidney beans

- 1/2 cup pinto beans

- 1 STRIP KOMBU

- 1/2 cup dried lentils

- 1 cup TVP

- 2 cups fresh (or frozen) corn kernels

- 1 cup chopped potatoes

- 1 cup chopped carrots

- 1 - 2 tbsp canola oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 1 heaping tbsp minced garlic

- 1 tsp cumin

                                                                               - 1 tsp oregano

                                                                               - 1 tsp paprika

                                                                               - 1 tsp cayenne, optional

                                                                               - 1 small can tomato paste

                                                                               - 7 cups very hot water

                                                                               - 1 vegan bouillon cube

                                                                               - sea salt & pepper to taste

                                                                               - Fixin's: onion, avocado, cilantro, vegan cheese,                 

                                                                                              vegan sour cream, salsa, etc

1. Pick over all your beans (except the lentils), discarding any undesirable or shriveled beans. Rinse & drain beans. Place all beans (except lentils) in a stainless steel bowl (preferable) & soak with a large strip of kombu overnight. 

2. In the morning, take out your slow cooker & turn it on low just to heat it up. 

3. Place a skillet over medium heat & warm for a minute or two then add in your oil & heat through, 30 seconds. Add in that gorgeous onion & saute until soft, around 7 minutes. Add in all the spices except the salt & pepper, stir to combine & cook for an additional minute or two. 

4. Add the onions & spices to the slow cooker. Drain your beans, discarding the kombu, & add them, along with lentils, TVP, tomato paste & bouillon. Add the extremely hot water & stir well until everything is well-combined. 

5. Cook in the slow cooker on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally every hour or two & checking water level. Then on low for 2 - 3 hours. The last 1 1/2, add in the chopped veggies & stir until incorporated. The last 1/2 - 45 minutes, add in the corn & stir again. If needed, add small amounts of water, if it seems to be drying out. Once you reach the 5 hour mark, taste the chili to ensure the beans are tender enough. Add salt & pepper to taste & top with your favorite toppings! Lucas loves just dipping cornbread or chips in the chili. I love chopped raw onion & vegan sour cream on top of mine. Lily likes it like her dad. Kingston loves his with avocado & vegan cheese. & Miss Giorgia, well, she has not yet had this yumminess, but soon! Very soon!

delicious!

CHICA SAYS PLEASE GIVE ME SOME DIP & CHILI TOO!!