The cooler months have finally arrived and I can no longer be in denial. It is officially dark early and isn’t going to get any lighter for a long time. So, get used to it. After a busy workweek that consists of a lot of running around and a long commute there are times I just want to spend my weekends in Scituate…and not leave. These “chill” weekends consist of activities such as cooking comfort food, sometimes dining out at one of the Scituate Harbor restaurants, going on runs or walks along the marsh, renting a bunch on movies from the library, pulling out the board games, playing some ping pong and darts in our basement, lighting the fire, and spending quality time throughout the weekend with my husband and dog. This past weekend I rented the movie, Coco Chanel staring Shirley Maclaine . This was an influential film on one of the most well known designers of the 20th century and depicted her rise from rags to riches. (Think Orphan Annie never gets out of the orphanage until she turns eighteen and then makes a name for herself in the world of fashion, never gives up, and gets her heart broken along the way). I also rented Welcome to the Rileys staring James Gandolfini (Sopranos) and Kristen Stewart (girl from that silly Twilight movie) which was about two damaged souls from two very different backgrounds (corporate drone world and erotic dancer aka hooker world) who become connected and help one another’s well being in a story of parental love and friendship. I would highly recommend both films.
To top off the night we played some Trivial Pursuit. I would love Trivial Pursuit if I could make several revisions to the rules. As long as I am required to earn a green pie for answering “sports” questions I can’t win. If it were up to me I would change the rules so that there would be one “wild pie” that you can earn and therefore eliminate a pie color of your choice if you prefer. I think the next time we have a “chill” weekend I will suggest Scrabble or Boggle. Besides the fact that I lost Trivial Pursuit it was a great “chill” weekend. I would like to share my Chili recipe with others and hope you can take a step back and chill in Scituate for the weekend or wherever you may live. Enjoy, take in, and appreciate your surroundings.
Scituate Tip of the Month: If you ever decide to venture out of Scituate and let’s say take the train into Boston on a Friday evening and plan on returning on the last train; I would highly recommend that you a) Arrive to South Station early b) Make sure your watch isn’t slow c) Are familiar with the schedule d) Don’t miss the last train to Scituate and have to call a loved one to pick you up in Braintree. Cheers to many great fall and winter weekends.
Chillin Vegetarian Chili
You will need:
1 large white Spanish onion
1 cups of diced carrots
2 green bell peppers chopped
4 gloves of garlic (mashed or pressed)
2 Tbs. of olive oil (quality olive oil not the bargain store brand “stuff”)
2 cans of red kidney beans drained (Goya). You can use raw beans but this will take forever so save yourself 4 hours and just buy them canned
1 jar of Newman’s Own Tomato Sauce (8oz)
3 Tbs. of Tomato Paste
2 ½ cups of chopped fresh vine ripe tomatoes
1 lemon
4 Tbs. of dry table red wine
1 tsp. of fresh minced basil
2 Tbs. of chili powder (more for taste depending on how much kick you prefer)
1 Tbs. of hot sauce (more for taste depending on how much kick you prefer)
1 Tbs. of cumin
1 tsp. of sea salt
¼ cup of fresh minced parsley
¼ cup f sour cream for garnish
1 cup of shredded Mexican style cheese
Tortilla chips
1. Combine fresh basil, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a separate bowl and set aside.
2. In a cast iron skillet sauté onions and mashed garlic in olive oil until browning takes place. About 8 minutes. Add carrots and spices. Sauté on low heat.
3. After about 7 minutes add peppers. Mix in hot sauce. Continue to cook on low until veggies are tender.
4. In a cast iron soup pot combine beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, the lemon juice from 1 lemon, and and stir. Add sautéed veggies from your skillet once tender. (Tender is the key word here). Simmer on low for 2.5-3.5 hours.
5. Serve in a bowl. Top with sprinkled cheese, then sour cream. Serve tortilla chips on the side.
If you like more or a kick add more chili powder and hot sauce while simmering. If you follow the above recipe it will make a mild chili.
