Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili with Turkey

This is the perfect autumn meal, especially after Thanksgiving when you have leftover turkey to use. It is quick, healthy, and delicious! There is very little if any pumpkin taste, but the pumpkin makes it rich and smooth. We found the recipe online at Taste of Home and decided to try it to use up some of our mounds of leftover turkey and we are so glad we did. It is definitely a keeper!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken broth (reviews online said that the recipe turned out more soupy, so I just did a little more than 2 cups of broth and it was great)
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cubed avocado and thinly sliced green onions, optional

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker; stir in the next 10 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours. If desired, top with avocado and green onions. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Nutritional Facts

1 cup equals 192 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 28 mg cholesterol, 658 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 16 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream

I've been taking a hiatus from this blog since we got our mission call to Japan.  With only two months to prepare, I felt this was something I could let go for awhile.  BUT, then I came across this recipe and had to post it.  A week ago, a cute family (both of the parents served missions in Japan) had us over for family home evening.  It was so fun.  For treats, they served this delicious pineapple ice cream.  We may or may not have made it five times since then.  We are hooked, so I just had to share it with you.  It's easy and so yummy.  They served it (as shown) with extra pineapple juice poured over the top.

Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
3 cups pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups sugar (the original called for 3 cups, but this is plenty sweet enough)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all together and pour in your ice cream freezer.  Yummy!