Comfort Food at It’s Best: A Chili Recipe for a Chilly Day
As we head into the cooler temps of fall, a familiar feeling begins to settle in. Autumn is a time of transition, a bridge between the heat of summer and the cold winds of winter. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves beneath our feet and the shorter days signal that change is in the air. And with that change comes the undeniable craving for comfort, both in the foods we eat and the spaces we inhabit.
One of the season’s most cherished comforts is a hearty bowl of homemade chili. There's something about the warmth of the spices, the richness of the beans and the slow-simmered flavors that offer a sense of coziness and contentment. Whether it's a traditional beef chili or a modern twist like turkey or vegetarian varieties, the combination of ingredients creates the perfect meal to savor on a cool fall evening. Paired with cornbread or served over rice, chili is more than just food—it's an experience that captures the essence of fall's embrace.?
Here’s my delicious chili recipe that continues to be tweaked depending on flavor inspiration:
Here’s my delicious chili recipe that continues to be tweaked depending on flavor inspiration:
Sauté the sweet onion and green pepper in olive oil. Add the jalape?o, ground beef or chunks of chuck roast, salt and garlic. Allow it to cook.
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Add the spices (to taste): cayenne, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, basil, chili chipotle seasoning. You can improvise with other seasonings, as well.?Let the chili simmer for a good hour. You may need to add more tomato sauce to taste. The trick is to allow time for all the flavors to meld. Then add scallions and cilantro to the top. Serve it up in a bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. YUM!
Just as we seek comfort in our meals, fall also invites us to bring a sense of coziness and warmth into our homes. This is the season when homes transform into cozy retreats, as rich colors like burnt orange, deep reds and golden yellows make their way into our living spaces. Plaid blankets, chunky knit throws and an abundance of pillows find their way to couches, ready to provide warmth during movie nights or quiet evenings with a good book. Pumpkin-spiced candles and cinnamon-scented air fresheners add a comforting aroma, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.
Beyond the interior, fall is also a time when we embrace the change of season by redecorating our outdoor spaces. In fact, Halloween has become the second most popular holiday for outdoor decorating, second only to Christmas. Front porches are adorned with pumpkins of every size and color, wreaths made from dried corn husks and autumn leaves and scarecrows guarding the doorways. Bales of hay serve as decorative foundations for displays, while twinkling string lights and lanterns give a warm glow to the cool fall nights.
As Halloween approaches, decorations take on a spookier tone. Skeletons, witches, ghosts and all manner of ghoulish figures appear on front lawns, transforming quiet neighborhoods into festive, eerie displays. From elaborate inflatables to carefully carved jack-o-lanterns, the creativity on display during Halloween is a true reflection of the season's playful spirit.
In the end, fall is a season of comfort and transformation. As we swap out our summer wardrobes for sweaters and bring out cozy blankets, we also bring out the joy of seasonal traditions—delicious bowls of chili, warm, inviting spaces and festive decorations that celebrate the beauty of autumn.
If you need resources to help with your holiday decorating or are just curious about home design trends, please contact me. Architecture and design are my specialties. I’m always here to help with any of your real estate questions!