Chili Recipe

     First of all, I just want to say that I've found a suitable substitute for coffee creamer. That was one of the things I was dreading giving up my coffee, because I just can't drink it black. But today, I got a can of organic coconut milk, added a couple spoonfuls (it's kind of thick and fluffy, like whipped cream) and it was actually pretty good. So don't panic everyone, it's going to be alright!
    And just so you guys don't think I'm completely heartless, we've decided that we can have an occasional treat every once in a while, as long as the treat is somewhat beneficial. We personally love dark chocolate. And I'm not talking about the whole bar, but just one little square. I told the kids to nibble it like a mouse, so that it lasts. And they did just that.

Beautiful smiles!

I can't figure out how to turn this picture sideways... This chocolate is 72% and 85% dark chocolate.

For dinner, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we had chili for dinner. Now, beans are not the best health food, despite popular belief. They have a lot of carbs in them, and they also have lectins in them. However, I think in moderation, they are okay to eat. And chili happens to be one of our favorites. Here's my recipe:

Chili

1 LB grass-fed ground beef

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 small bell pepper, diced

56 ounces diced tomatoes 

30 ounces beans

2 Tablespoons organic chili powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Brown meat in a pot, and add onions and peppers. Add chili, salt, and garlic powder. Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add the beans, and simmer on med-low for 1 hour.

    It's so good. I actually got this simple recipe from my Aunt Margie, I just added the garlic because we love garlic, and it takes it over the top. 

And then tonight we had baked tilapia, asparagus, and sauteed zucchini and shallots. I know a lot of people say that you shouldn't eat tilapia because it's hard to find wild caught. Well, maybe, but I love tilapia. I got a couple filets at Earth Fare, and while they are farm raised, I trust their standards, and the guy assured me that the farms where they get their fish are very clean. I would not buy farmed tilapia from China, though.

For the tilapia, I seasoned both sides with sea salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and just a splash of lemon juice and olive oil. I baked them on 350, and I don't remember exactly how long I cooked them for.