Turkey Chili!

This Turkey Chili has become a regular staple in our house during the colder months. It's very simple to throw together. I usually make a double batch because the chili tends to taste better when re-heated!

Enjoy, Chris

Yield 4-6 servings

Ingredients

•  2 tbs. olive oil
•  1 lb. ground turkey
•  1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 4 tbs. tomato paste
• 2 c. chicken stock
• 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes (I like the fire-roasted)
• 2 tbs. chile powder
• 2 tsp. cumin powder
• 1 14 oz. can white northern beans, drained
• 1 14 oz. can black beans, drained
• 1 14 oz. can kidney beans, drained
• 1 tbs. salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

**Seasonal additions**

• 1 zucchini, finely diced
• 1 yellow squash, finely diced
• 1/2 each of a red, yellow, and orange peppers, finely diced
• 1/2 a butternut squash, diced

Instructions

1. Add the olive oil to a large stock pot over medium-high heat.  Add onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 mins). Then add garlic and cook for another minute
2. Add the turkey, chile powder and cumin.  Cook until completely browned
3. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 mins. Stirring continuously.
4. Add the chicken stock, then all remaining ingredients. 
5. Bring to a boil, then drop to a simmer for 60 mins.

Here's a quick, simple summer salad for you

Summer season is great, lots of salads and proteins. This salad can easily be changed based on what's in the fridge. Start with some fresh greens, a couple vegetables with crunch, a nut, and a berry. These types of ingredients create a nice balance. The dressing has the same ability too. You need sweet, sour, citrus, oil, fresh herb! Try experimenting with your favorite flavors.

-Chris

Quick, Simple Summer Salad

(Yield 4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

•  Two heads of greens (whatever your favorites are) rinsed, dried, and ripped into mouth-sized pieces
• One orange pepper, julienned
• One yellow pepper, julienned
• One pint of blueberries, rinsed
• 1/2 c. chopped mixed nuts
• 1 c. jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks

Instructions:

• Layer ingredients on each plate beginning with a bed of greens, then pile on everything else! Finally sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Citrus Dressing

(Yield about 1 cup)

Ingredients:

• One lemon, zested and juiced
• One lime, zested and juiced
• 1 tbs. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbs. honey
• Handful fresh basil
• Olive oil (amount to add is known once everything is in the processer)  
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processer add all ingredients except the oil and salt/pepper. Pulse until combined.
2. Then add the oil to double the quantity in the processer (e.g. if your ingredients measure 1/4c., then add 1/4 c. oil).
3. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just bring it to room temperature prior to use. 

The "Farm" Essentials.....

One of the main reasons for starting a blog on our website was to share with everyone all of our favorite recipes, cooking tips and essentials that we use every day on "The Farm."  About 6 months ago I was introduced to the concept of using Essential Oils for our health, in our everyday cleaning and also cooking.  As a family we have greatly benefited from utilizing them in so many different ways, that I had to share a few of my favorites.  

My father has suffered from seasonal threats throughout his entire life.  He was constantly clearing his throat, especially during peak season.  My Dad now takes 1 teaspoon of local raw honey with a few drops peppermint, lavender and lemon essential oil, in the morning and evening.  His throat clearing is completely gone and he is off all of his other medications.  What a blessing this has been for him.

Living on "The Farm" we also have our share of bugs and my kids are constantly getting cuts and scrapes!!!  Anytime my kids get a bug bite or an owie, I put a little lavender and/or melaleuca on them.  It immediately stops the itching and takes the inflammation away.  Now, my kids run to me asking for some oils to put on their ouchies.

Lastly, I have looked for a dryer sheet for the longest time that are free from chemicals and that work well, but have been unsuccessful until now.  I now use 4 wool dryer balls in each dryer load with a few drops of my favorite essential oil on them.  Lemongrass and Lavender are my two favorite smells, but there are so many to choose from.  I also love to put a few drops of Purify or Lemongrass in the actual washer, especially with my stinky work-out clothes.  Our clothes come out smelling amazing and static free, but most importantly free from all of the chemicals that are found in dryer sheets.   

If you are interested in learning more about how to incorporate essential oils into your household please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.  I would be more than happy to assist you.  I have chosen DoTerra Essential Oils as they are a high quality Certified Therapeutic Grade Oil.  Please Click Here to learn more about essential oils.

Be sure to sign up for our Newsletter, I will post new ways to use Essential Oils on our blog on a regular basis.

Warmly,

Becca