Spicy Beef and Chorizo Chili

This is super spicy! If you can't take the heat, back off on the chipotle chili powder and paprika.

6 links Chorizo Sausage
2 lbs ground beef
3 tablespoons Chipotle Chili Powder
1/2 tablespoon paprika
28 ounce can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes
6 cups beef broth
For garnish: chedder cheese and sour cream

1. Spray a pan with non-stick spray and heat over medium high heat.
2. Cut the chorizo links into small pieces. Brown the chorizo slices on each side (2-3 minutes each side). Remove the chorizo from the pan and place in a bowl. Discard the excess grease; leave enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Brown the ground beef in the greased pan (3-5 minutes each side). Using a spoon, crumble the beef into tiny chunks.
4. Return the chorizo back into the pan and add the chili powder and paprika. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes and beef broth to chili. Allow to cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.
6. Turn the heat to low and cook for another 30 minutes.
7. Serve in a bowl topped with chedder cheese and a scoop of sour cream.

Cajun Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 package ground turkey
1 egg
1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
Salt
Pepper
1 can San Marzano tomatoes
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning

Preparation:
1. In a pot, heat the san marzano tomatoes over medium heat. Add the beef or chicken broth, cajun seasoning and a dash of salt and pepper. While the tomato sauce heats up prepare the meat balls.

2. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, egg and seasonings until it is well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Roll into little balls.

3. Spray a skillet and heat over medium-high temperature. Drop 10-12 meat balls into the pan and allow them to brown on each side (2-3 minutes). Even though they may not look completely cooked, transfer into the tomato sauce and allow them to finish cooking (20-30 minutes).

Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1 pound Whole Wheat penne pasta 1 cup 2% milk
1 Tablespoon whole wheat flour
1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons butter (or Earth Butter)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Optional: 1/4 cup chopped sage

Directions:

1. In a large pot of boiling with salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain.
2. In the same pot, add the milk and whole wheat flour. Whisk until sauce thickens 5-6 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin and butter and bring to a boil for a couple minutes. Return the pasta to the pot and top with Parmesan and sage.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Jimmy was all pumpkin-ed - out by the end of the day. Our November 1st started with these fluffy pumpkin pancakes and a cup of pumpkin spiced coffee (I also like making hot chocolate and putting a bit of pumpkin creamer in it. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, its yummy). Although the weather didn't feel like fall, our breakfast sure did.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup sugar (Splenda)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk (or almond milk, or buttermilk)
4 egg whites, whipped to soft peak
non stick spray
Optional: Chocolate chips

Preparation:
1. Sift or mix together all of the dry ingredients.
2. In a bowl, combine the puree, whole eggs, vanilla and the milk.
3. Add the flour mixture and stir, being careful not to over mix the batter.
4. Gently fold in 1/2 the egg whites to loosen the batter and when the whites are nearly incorporated, fold in the remaining egg whites.
5. Heat a griddle or large frying pan to medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and spoon batter onto griddle, spreading them with the back of the spoon. When you begin noticing bubbles form on the top of the pancake, flip it to the other side. Cook until pancakes are golden brown.
6. If you would like to make chocolate chip pumpkin pancakes do the following: Once you have spooned batter onto the griddle, sprinkle with chocolate chips. Wait for the batter to bubble, then flip to the other side.