Miriam’s Comfort Corner

As fall settles in the Midwest chilly breezes are bringing down the first yellow leaves from my walnut tree. Maples are turning and the squirrels have kicked into overdrive hoarding acorns and walnuts.

Longer evenings and earlier darkness are not necessarily something we gladly anticipate. I confess, however, that I welcome a freeze frame on my overwhelmingly healthy weeds enveloping my home.

So here are a few suggestions. Visit your local library and check out the Mitford series by Jan Karon. Each book is filled with warmth, humor, and personalities you can’t help loving.

Before settling in, make a pot of my girl chili. Women get this. Men like lots of meat, spice, and beans. My recipe is different. Here it is.


Miriam’s Girl Chili

1 1/2 # lean ground beef
2 small cans of chili beans (you can omit this and it will still be yummy)
1 fresh zucinni (6 inches long)
5 celery stalks
1/2 large green pepper
1/2 large red pepper
3 green onions
1/2 bag baby carrots
2 large cans diced tomotoes (or the equivalent fresh if you garden)
Chile powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Water to the consistency you desire

Brown the ground beef, add chopped onions and peppers and continue to heat. Add beans, tomatoes, and the other chopped vegetables. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add water only if you like a thinner soup. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

What to do with such a large pot of soup? Put in smaller containers and freeze to pull out on later, colder days. Give one to a friend. Invite a few women over for soup supper and talk about the books you are reading.

Good book, good soup, and God--bring on the chill.
 Isaiah 51: 12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you.