Simple Beef Chili

I mentioned on Facebook that I hadn't been posting as much because my husband and I have been very serious about a deep freezer/pantry clean out! I love having about 5 times the amount of storage space for food versus our old apartment, but I didn't want things to become lost or forgotten. I've been coming up with interesting meals lately. Usually something frozen, with a can of something, and some veggies. Nothing blog-worthy. I did however spot canned tomatoes, canned black beans, canned kidney beans, canned corn, and frozen ground beef the other day; these ingredients just scream homemade chili. I'm surprised I've never posted a recipe for basic beef chili, but this one is so easy to follow and completely customizable. You can use beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded chicken, veggie crumbles, or no meat at all. You can use black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, etc. It's up to you, so use whatever you have on hand.

Nopales Enchiladas

Although St. Patty's totally kicked my bum this year, I still wanted to make dinner last night since I had been a total baby all day long. I had to call in sick to work, because standing up is apparently challenging =P I got nopales from a coworker and decided to make enchiladas with them! For those who have never had nopales or have no idea what I'm talking about, nopales is the meat from a cactus plant. I've never bought and prepared this because it can be a pain. The plant is prickly and slimy. Luckily, she had already prepared it and diced it so I could just throw it into my meal. This dish is simple to put together and has incredible health benefits! Nopales are very rich in fiber, vitamins & minerals, lowers the glycemic effect in a meal, and can be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. It's like a wonder food, and happens to taste great! When I opened the container it reminded me of smelling a very bland and mild pepper although the flavor is a little tart. They are good, and hubby was drooling over the meal! I made Spanish rice and spicy re-fried beans to go alongside.