Cooking Is Love...

Or you could say that cooking is an act of love. It certainly is for me! Cooking is my therapy-my happy place. I know it isn't like that for everyone. My mom (rest her beautiful soul) did not like to cook. (She made a mean pound cake though!!) She lacked passion and creativity. We had spaghetti and meatballs every Thursday, and the meatballs never tasted the same from week to week. Still, we all survived. My brother went on to become a chef!

I usually cook on Sundays, sometimes I make a special dish, and often cook a dish that will last for several meals. Below is a trusted favorite!!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4-1/2 jalapeno chili pepper, finely chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

3 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and chopped into bit size pieces

1 16oz jar salsa

1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15oz can stewed or diced tomatoes, or chopped fresh tomatoes

3 cups stock

1 TBS chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp chipotle powder or smoky paprika

Serve with: fresh cilantro, lime juice, chopped red onions, avocado or guacamole, tortilla chips

Directions:

In a large pot (dutch oven) heat 2 TBS oil over medium heat and add onions, garlic, chili pepper. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and cook till onions are soft and translucent. Add sweet potatoes and spices.

Stir and cook for a few minutes. Add salsa, stock, tomatoes & beans. Bring to a boil over med-high heat. Lower to simmer and partially cover the pot. Cook chili for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the chili thickens a bit.

Serve with choice of toppings.

As with most soups, stews and chilis, this will taste better the next day! Enjoy!!