Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

Pin It Everytime I make chili I have to make cornbread.  I usually just make a pan and cut squares.  Today I was feeling creative and decided to spice it up a bit.  I originally was just gong to make cheddar cornbread, but I had an open jar of jalapenos that were just asking to be used.  Don't let the jalapenos scare you.  These are not too spicy at all and you can definitely adjust the amount to your liking.  These are absolutely fabulous with my Weeknight Chili!

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
1 box cornbread mix (I used Krusteaz Honey Cornbread mix)
ingredients to make cornbread according to box
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 4 oz can diced jalapenos, well drained 0r 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno slices*adjust amount according to taste**
12 jalapeno slices

1. Make cornbread according to box directions
2. Stir in jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
3. Fill 12 greased muffin cups with batter.  Top eacah muffin with a jalapeno slice.
4. Bake 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Weeknight Chili

Pin It It's finally starting to look and feel like fall!  I'm so excited to light my fall scented candles and wear long pants and sweaters again.  Fall also means it's time for chili!  I love making a big pot of chili on rainy weekend days.  It's just so comforting and there are always leftovers for lunch during the week.  I call this recipe weeknight chili though because it is so simple and fast that it makes a great weeknight dinner during the cool months.

Weeknight Chili
1 lb ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 can chili beans
1 can chili tomatoes
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 cup water
1 packet chili seasoning
2 tsp white sugar

1. In a large soup pot brown ground beef with the onions and garlic.  Drain grease and return meat to the pot.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, water, seasoning and sugar.  Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.  Let simmer for at least 30 minutes. 
4. Serve with shredded cheddar, sour cream and green onions.
**I think this gets better the longer you can let it simmer.  It's great after 30 mintues, but fabulous after an hour**

Snickers Apple Salad

Pin It Who loves no bake desserts???  I do, especially when the temperature has been in the triple digits for over a week.  This 3-ingredient gem is perfect for a potluck, picnic or just for snacking.  It can be whipped together in under 5 minutes and doesn't require time to set in a refrigerator or anything.  What's not to love?

Snickers Apple Salad
6-8 granny smith apples, cubed (leave skin on)
1 tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
2 regular size Snickers bars, chopped

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

**Leftovers are good for about 2 days

Mexican Rice

Pin It This is one of my go-to, one pot wonder weeknight meals.  It takes under 30 minutes to make and it makes enough to feed a crowd so you have guaranteed lunch leftovers for a few days.  It also uses ingredients that I usually have on hand so I can whip it up quick.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do :)

Mexican Rice
1 lb ground beef
1 box Spanish rice mix
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese
sour cream
taco sauce
green onions

1. In a large skillet brown ground beef.  Drain and set aside.
2. In the same skillet cook rice according to box directions, using the can of tomatoes with chiles.
3. When rice is done add corn, beans and beef.  Stir to mix.  Flatten the top of the mixture and sprinkle with cheese.  Cover to let the cheese melt.
4. Serve with sour cream, taco sauce and green onions.