MiMi's Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 package boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 can great northern beans, drained & rinsed

1 small can chopped green chilies

1 package frozen fiesta corn blend

1/2 medium onion, diced

5 cups water

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp taco seasoning

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

*pepper to taste*

*tortilla chips*

*sour cream*

*shredded colby-jack cheese*

- Combine chicken, great northern beans, green chilies, corn blend, onion, water, and spices into a crock-pot

- Cook on low 6-8 hours

- Stir occasionally

- Serve with warmed tortilla chips

- Garnish with sour cream & shredded colby-jack cheese

Turkey Brine

Years ago, my mother and I were watching a food show talking about different ways to prepare turkey for the holidays. One of the methods being discussed was using a brine solution to soak the turkey in before cooking. Interesting! We had neither one ever heard of this and were both very curious if the outcome was worth the effort.

With a little research we discovered that there are many variations of brine solution and methods for soaking the turkey...but after taking many notes (see picture) over many years now, this is the solution that I have found gives us the best result. Absolutely worth the effort!!


Ingredients:

1 gallon vegetable broth, (prepared or homemade)
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 TBS whole peppercorns
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp candied ginger

* Combine ingredients and bring to a boil
* Let cool completely, covering with a lid
* Using a clean, dry cooler...place thawed turkey in cooler then cover with brine solution and enough ice to cover
* Allow to soak overnight, making sure you have enough ice in the cooler to keep the turkey at a safe temperature
* If space in your fridge allows, the same brine solution can be used in a resealable bag large enough for the turkey and brine solution - just make sure to set the bag with the brine and turkey in a bowl/tray/or pan to prevent any accidental leakages from contaminating your fridge

* After turkey has soaked in the brine solution for 4-12 hours, discard the brine solution and cook the turkey as desired

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 stick melted butter or margarine
3 (8 oz each) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 TBS AP flour
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend
1 cup canned pumpkin
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
*dark chocolate for shaving and garnish*

* Heat oven to 350 degrees F
* In mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafers, cocoa, powdered sugar and melted butter
* Press mixture into bottom of 9 - inch spring form pan
* Bake 8 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool

* Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F
* Blend together cream cheese, sugar, flour, and pumpkin pie spice
* Add pumpkin and eggs, mix well
* Add chocolate chips, stir slightly
* Pour batter into prepared crust and bake for 10 minutes

* Reduce oven heat to 250 degrees F
* Continue baking 50-60 minutes until middle is almost set
* Remove from oven and rest on wire cooling rack
* Using a table knife, loosen cake sides from the edge of the pan
* Cool completely, best if refrigerated 5 hours prior to serving

* Garnish top with dark chocolate shavings, if desired