7 Turkey Chili & Cornbread

I've started lifting weights at the gym with a girl friend of mine.  Usually I'm on some sort of cardio machine, glancing at the weight room full of guys (and military guys at that since I go to our base gym) very intimidated by all the grunting going on.  But strength in numbers right?  

We've only had 5 or 6 workouts and my arms are already so.much.more toned.  This is what we do...

Bench - just the bar for me, she does 5lbs on it 10-12 reps x 3

Military press - free weights, just the bar 10-12 reps x 3

Alternated Bicep curl - 15lbs 12 reps x 3

Lying Fly - 10lbs 15 reps x 3

Tricep Extension - 10 lbs 15 reps x 3

Tricep Bench Press - 12 lbs 15 reps x 3

Kneeling 1 arm row - 20 lbs 15 reps x 3

Kicks my booty!! I love it.  But seriously it even hurts to drive home, my arms don't want to stay up.  With this new workout, I'm trying to add more protein to my diet.  What better than chili?

This recipe isn't anything new, but I realized I didn't have a chili recipe on my blog, gasp!  Everyone has to have a good chili recipe, and we lightened it up a bit by using ground turkey instead of beef.  I took a page from my friend Julia's book by serving it up in a cozy mug, it made it so fun!  This is a great hearty, casual meal to enjoy with friends or just while you're wrapping up gifts this season.


Turkey Chili & Cornbread

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb. Ground Turkey, thawed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes (Fire Roasted if possible)
1 can Kidney Beans, drained
1 can Pork & Beans
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced or 1 can sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon jalapeno, chopped
Cilantro, chopped
Cheese or sour cream for topping, optional

1.  In a large pot or dutch oven, add the vegetable oil and warm over high heat.  Add the ground turkey and cook until brown.  Season with salt and pepper.

2.  Add in the chopped onions and jalapeno (add fresh mushrooms now, add canned later) and cook until the onion is just starting to turn translucent.

3.  Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and pork and beans and stir well.  Mix in the chili powder and cumin.  Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4.   Stir in the canned mushrooms if that's what you're using, and taste to see if you need to add more seasoning.  Simmer another 10 minutes covered, and it's ready to go.  You can either sprinkle with chopped Cilantro before serving or mix it in at the last minute.  Top with cheese or sour cream if you like and enjoy!

Cornbread Recipe:
(From back of the corn meal box)

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow corn meal
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 egg whites (or 1 egg)

1.  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.  And grease a 9x9 square baking pan, set aside.  (or if you're making muffins, grease or line the muffin pan).

2.  In a large bowl combing the flour, corn meal, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Mix until blended.  Add the milk, vegetable oil and egg whites and mix until everything comes together - you don't want to over mix, the batter may be a little lumpy.

3.  Pour the batter into your pan or muffin pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and if you test with a knife it comes out clean.

Go crazy with this basic recipe and add cheese, honey, jalapeno, whatever!