Hearty 3-Bean Chili

It finally happened. We moved into our lovely country home last week, and I'm still in dis-belief. No more 3 flights of stairs. No more noisy and (sometimes smelly) downstairs neighbors. No more having someone take my laundry out if it's in the wash for 30 seconds after it's done, or having to touch the college boys downstairs tighty- not-so-whitey's after they've sat for five days in the washer. 

We are deeply, truly happy, to say the least.

 Moving to the country from a busy street downtown is quite an adjustment, mainly in the respect that it's so QUIET. We live off a busy road far enough for it to be quite silent most of the time, and its amazing. We also have a nice big kitchen, which I've been looking forward to having some time between moving and unpacking to play in.  I haven't gotten a lot of chances yet, but I'm sure looking forward to making many a feast in our new home. The temperature has dropped to the single digits a few times already, and I'm jumping on the soup band wagon. I made up some chili to feed a handful of our moving helpers and it was a great way to ease into winter cooking ( and play a bit in my new kitchen!)

Hearty 3-Bean Chili

-1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1 Green Pepper, diced
-1 small onion, diced
-1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
-1 Tablespoon Cumin
-1 Teaspoon Salt
-1 Teaspoon Pepper
-1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
-1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
-1 15oz can Chili Beans
-1 15oz can Kidney Beans, rinsed & drained

-1 can black beans
-2 15oz cans diced tomatoes 
-1 can water 

Directions:
Saute onion and pepper in olive oil until soft. Add ground  beef and brown until done, drianing as needed. Add seasonings, tomatoes, beans and water. Stir and let simmer on low heat at least 30 minutes before serving. 

I'm trying to focus on the positive aspects of the inevitable coming of winter, like getting to make chili. 

This is a nice filling recipe, and it's a cinch to whip up. And you also get an excuse to eat cornbread, which is always a plus. It can be topped with a dollop of sour cream and a few sprinkles of cheddar cheese if you want to up the awesomeness a tad. I'm looking forward to keeping up on my blogging now that all the craziness of moving is over. Enjoy!