Karleene's Krazy Easy Chili

So by now we all know I love food! But I'm pretty sure I love the stories connected to food or the background connected to a recipe over the actual food itself. These stories make the food more personal than simply nourishment or great flavor. 

This recipe comes from my Aunt Karleene, hence Karleene's Krazy Easy Chili. On my mom's side of the family, majority of her family lives in the general area of Sacramento, including extended family members. My Aunt Karleene is part of the extended family and I don't even know exactly what her formal title would be to me but she has always been a significant part in my life, so I have always called her Aunt Karleene. Not only is she my Aunt but over the years she has become a dear friend of mine. She is probably blushing because I'm talking about her so much but Karleene, this is part of the connection to this food for me. Aunt Karleene and Uncle Matt are moving to Texas soon, we are all so sad to see them go. In their honor I am excited to share with you Karleene's Krazy Easy Chili!

Ingredients:

3 small cans of beans (Kidney, pinto and black; combination of your preference)

2 cans of diced tomatoes
2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 can of tomato sauce
1/2 can of tomato paste

1 small can of green chiles
(The below are not included in the ingredient picture)

1 lb of ground turkey
1/4 or 1/2 cup of diced onions
1/4 cup of diced celery
1 jalapeno finely diced (de-veined for less heat. side note the pepper I used was not a jalapeno our grocery store was out of jalapenos)

chili powder to your liking (You want to taste that chili in every bite yet not be overwhelmed by it.)
A few dashes of cayenne pepper
A few dashes of red pepper flakes

Prep Work:

Now, since I have been working this recipe and prep work is ideal for my schedule! I did all of the prep work before I left for work in the morning (Also before I had finished my coffee). I must admit, I was a bit scattered and later in the day I paniced for about .2 seconds because I could remember if I turned off the burner from browning the meat. All in all it is Krazy easy, and who doesn't love chili?!

Begin by browning your turkey meat in a skillet and once it is almost fully browned add your onions. Let your onions sweat it out a bit and once the meat is completely browned add to your crock pot.

(All of these items in the picture I forgot to include in the ingredient picture... It was early.)

Next, simply open all canned items with your can opener and place in your crock pot. Add all seasonings to your liking and stir through.

Let it sit in your crock pot on low for 4-8 hours.

(Sorry for the poor picture quality! A nice camera is on our I Want List. )

Thanks Aunt Karleene for the delicious recipe, keep them coming! Hope you all enjoy this recipe along with your favorite fall traditions!

Maci K