Fall, football and chili

Well its that time of year. Saturday was the first Husker football game (they won of course!) and nothing goes better with football than chili. Of course there are many ways to make it but this is one that Nathan and I have enjoyed for the last few years, courtesy of an old coworker of mine.

• 2 or 3 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 packages of chili seasoning
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 cans beans, don't drain juice
• 1 40 oz jar of V-8 juice (we just use a can of regular tomato juice)
• 1/2 to 1 tsp of chili powder

Mix all ingredients and simmer on stove or cook in crock pot for three to four hours. The longer it cooks the better it tastes. 

This recipe is nice because you can adjust it as much as you want. Nathan and I compromise on this one a lot. We use two pounds of hamburger cause I like it a little less meaty, one can of tomatoes for him and a can of chili beans and a can of kidney beans. We also added a jalapeño pepper this time to give it a little kick, although next time we might try two or three. I like to top mine with shredded cheese and some chopped onion. We just love how much chili this makes. Its perfect for having people over to watch the game or to freeze for lunches. Here's to the Huskers last season in the Big 12, hope its a great one! Go Big Red!

Cucumbers with dressing

When I was a kid, every summer my mom and grandma would make cucumbers with dressing. I loved it and always looked forward to having it. So when Nathan brought home some cucumbers from a coworker I knew what I was going to do with them. There are many ways to make it but this is the recipe I use.

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups sliced cucumbers

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and salt. Add cucumbers; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. 

Like most things I make, I don't worry too much about the measurements. I used two cucumbers and the amount of mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in the recipe. I then added some more mayo cause the vinegar was a little strong.  You can change it up in many ways. You can add onions, tomatoes, or green peppers. This is such a summery, cool side that would make a great addition to any bbq or get together.