IT'S SO CHILLY TODAY

Here in Western NY, near Lake Ontario it is about sixty five degrees out. This is not a complaint. I love the chilly weather. After living in Phoenix for three years, I have come to appreciate the cold. I moved out there to get away from the cold and dreary days that we have here (not so much anymore, Global Warming). When you live in a climate with blue skies nearly everyday and temperatures reaching 110 or so, you come to appreciate clouds and cool weather.
One of the great things about cooler weather is of course the cooler weather food. But I guess that is one of the great things about summer too, the food. Hmmm. All relates to food. Today was a day that called for chili and fresh corn muffins. This is no guilt chili. A big pot of it, roughly ten cups or so contains 8 points or so, translated to calories, about 500. Lots of fiber brings the count down. Add some sour cream and a little cheese along with a corn muffin and you have a nice meal thats pretty low in calories. I am in the camp that you should use the real thing as much as possible and use less of it. I like full fat sour cream and full fat cheese, I just dont use as much. It's more filling and satisfying that way.

VEGETABLE CHILI

3 zucchinis, coarsely chopped (about 7-9 inches long)
2 green peppers, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
2 tablespoons leaves of the celery
6 medium tomatoes, chopped (you can use canned as well)
1 can of tomato paste
1 can kidney beans
1 teaspoon of garlic or two garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon celery seed, crushed
2 tablespoon parsley
s and p
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon butter

Melt butter with olive oil in large pot or Dutch Oven. Saute onions, celery, carrots and peppers until soft. Add zucchini. Cook until zucchini begins to soften. Add tomatoes and cover, stir occassionally. Add all the seasonings, beans, and s and p to taste. After this cooks for about fifteen minutes add tomato paste and stir in to dissolve.

The corn muffin recipe can be found here at Epicurious.