10/31/07

Chicken Chili on a Halloween Night!

Tonight we will go to our friends’ house. A lot of friends will be there as this is our traditional “CHILI” night – something we’ve done every Halloween for years.

The kids will be running through the house, the doorbell will be ringing nonstop, we parents will be taking turns handing out candy and admiring the darling costumes (or commenting on the not-so-lovely costumes) … and we’ll be enjoying some of Anne’s tasty Chicken Chili.

The women usually congregate together around the table and the men hang out in another room. The kids trade their candies in the garage. It just happens that way. It has always happened that way.

Close friendships are crucial. We need to share. We need each other.

Truly these are the best years of our lives. We know that raising our families is a gift from God and the gifts we’ve been handed, our marriages and children, are what brings us together.

So in the midst of Halloween, costumes, candy and pumpkins, we parents know that it’s not about a beautiful home or the food that will be served tonight – it’s about tradition, memories, happiness and catching up with great friends.

Some of our kids are older now or have moved on to college. Some of our kids are too old for trick-or-treating and are off working at harvest festivals or hanging out with their buddies.

But we parents keep coming back. It’s our tradition.
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(I’m not sure what Anne puts in her Chicken Chili, but here is my recipe, adapted from Portland’s Palate cookbook, pg. 181)

SPICY CHICKEN CHILI

1 Costco Roasted Chicken (pulled apart)
2 T oil
1 cup onion, chopped
1 pepper (I use red or yellow), chopped
Lots of garlic
2 cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
2 cans pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup salsa
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt

Sauté onion, pepper and garlic. Add chicken and rest of ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. OR simmer in crock-pot all day long.

This recipe tastes even better when it sits overnight and is served the next day. Double or triple the recipe for a real crowd-pleasing meal!

Happy Halloween!

(Photos: our sweet Andie playing in a Portland pumpkin patch; Paul and me at a dress-up party earlier this year)

17 comments:

Nunnie's Attic said...

You know you've been reading too many craft articles when 2 T oil reads in your head as 2 Toil. I guess I have toile on the brain!

Your tradition sounds great. Good food and good friends. Is there anything better?

Love,
Julie

Tammy said...

What a wonderful tradition all of you have!
I can't believe how far behind I suddenly got with your posts, so scrolled down to catch up a bit!
Did I tell you how wonderful I think your Balcony Girls group is? I just love the whole idea behind it.
God bless!

tammi said...

What a great tradition! Out here in the country, trick-or-treating is a bit of a challenge, so I've been toying with the idea of having a family halloween party, but of course, I didn't do anything about it this year. Maybe next year...

Jill said...

And Happy Halloween to you. Have a great time and enjoy the chili!

MeaganMusing said...

The Chili sounds wonderful! I was planning to pick up a roasted chicken from the store tonight anyway. I might just have to turn it into chili. Enjoy your Halloween party!

Barb said...

I luv the pumpkin picture! I think I prefer Mr Paul as a redhead tho... :o0

linda t said...

I'm hosting the Elders and their wives this Sunday night for dinner... and planning various soups. I am thrilled to have this recipe! Thanks Sandy!
You're a doll!

Katherine@Raising Five said...

We had chicken chili tonight, too! Yours sounds a lot easier than mine was!!

Justabeachkat said...

Happy Halloween!

Cute photos and the chili sounds wonderful.

Halloween Hugs To You!
Kat

Nadine said...

Have fun. You look great.

a woman who is said...

"Truly these are the best years of our lives. We know that raising our families is a gift from God and the gifts we’ve been handed…"

You so have this right. And the investments you are making now in your family will pay off down the road. You will have to check out my blog, for our unexpected evening of fun.
Love the basket goodies that Mrs. B so kindly shared.

Anonymous said...

could I ask an off-topic question!?? I hope you don't mind...

Scenario--

Our 9 year old son was invited to a boy's birthday party. The party was held in his grandparent's "skybox" at a NFL football game. He invited two other little boys, the families, so my husband and I & daughter went as well. Of course, we brought a present b/c it was a birthday party.

My question--- of course this was very, very generous of the grandparents to allow us to come as well to the NFL game, use the box, and eat all the yummy catered food. Is it appropriate to write a thank-you note for inviting all of us? and if so-- to the parents of the birthday boy? The grandparents (box owners)? Both?

Thank you!

Sandy said...

Great question! Yes! I would for sure send a thank you note to the generous grandparents, and then to the birthday boy. Probably not necessary to send to the parents -- but it wouldn't hurt if you did.

Sounds like a great time!!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Sandy! I'm so trying to get caught up with my blog visits. Thank you for stopping by. Y'all look so cute in your costumes & that chicken chili sounds so yummy. I'm about ready to start making chili too. Great stuff this time of year!

Rhoda

Kathleen Grace said...

I just found you through Kathryn Bechens website and I am so glad I did! You really speak to me and I love some of the things you have done with your Balcony girls! I teach a 4th and 5th grade group of girls on wednesday nights at our church and I can't wait to use some of the ideas you have here! Wonderful blog!:>)

Donnetta said...

What a fun way to spend Halloween evening!! And thanks for the recipe. It sounds yummy!! I'm always looking for new ways to use chicken. I'm going to give this one a try!

Donnetta said...

P.S. Your cosutmes are great!! :-)