chili and beans + fried corn bread

As much as I LOVE summer, there is a true sense of excitement in the sophisticated kitchen when fall arrives! Fall is the time that brings the warm smell of burning leaves, pumpkin pie, and candied apples. And I always look forward to the recipes that follow fall. In honor of my mother, I will add my first recipe - a family favorite!!

Chili and Fried Corn Bread

Suzanne's Famous Chili & Beans:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 medium onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 Teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small can of chopped chile peppers
7 Tablespoons chili powder
2 Teaspoons garlic powder
2 15 to 16oz cans of red kidney beans (drained)
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
2 cups of Ketchup
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cook ground beef in olive oil with onion, garlic, salt and pepper until browned well in a large pot. Break up meat with spatula as you cook. Drain off fat. Add chili peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue to cook on low heat for 3 mins while stirring. After 3 minutes, add the remaining ingredients and gently bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes then turn off heat and allow to cool. Reheat when ready to eat. Serve with fried corn bread!

Fried Corn Bread:
1 cup Enriched Yellow Corn Meal
1 cup all purpose flour
2-4 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine corn meal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add milk, egg and oil. Beat until fairly smooth, about 1 minute. Pour remaining oil into cast iron skillet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

about the sophisticated casserole

About?

I am a self taught cook and self confessed cookbook and magazine addict! I love the creativity of spontaneous cooking as well as the pleasure of planning and perfectly executing a meal.

With this blog, I hope to share my passion and knowledge for all things food related, so come back often and indulge with pleasure.

Why The Sophisticated Casserole?

The name Sophisticated Casserole is strongly influenced by my upbringing. My family heritage is a mixture of Italian and German cultures and I was born and raised in the South. I was born into a family of foodies and was practically raised in a restaruant. In addition, I married into a Greek family who also knows good food. I have a strong love for all things food - Eating food, making food, shopping for food, watching shows about food...it's a serious passion of mine and it has provided a strong marinade and influence for my blog. I wanted to be sure and reflect this in the name of the site.

A casserole, from the French term for "saucepan," is a large, deep pot or dish used both in the oven and as a serving dish. The word casserole is also used for the food cooked and served in such a dish. Casseroles have become a staple in southern cooking. I felt it appropriate to throw in the word "sophisticated" to represent my love for gourmet food, culture, fine wines, and designer clothing.

In my opinion, if you throw all of these ingredients together, you have the perfect recipe for happiness!