The week is flying by, and it’s already time once again for What I Ate Wednesday! I’m going to jump right into it because I am halfway through the second season of Downton Abbey, and I have about two hours before John comes home and makes me turn it off! William just died, Matthew’s in a wheelchair, and I’m not entirely sure I trust this guy claiming to be Patrick. AH!
Today started off on a great note because I noticed last night I had an empty peanut butter jar just begging to be used for breakfast! This time is was regular peanut butter which is quite a change from my usual Peanut Butter & Co. flavors, but it was still so good. I don’t know what it is about the simple act of switching a bowl for a PB jar, but, guys, this is good. Try it!
Lunch was a bit of a treat today. I had a salad to sneak in some vegetables for the day along with some feta, plantain chips (yummy!), and a drizzle of Caeser Italian dressing. That was great, but the real winner was the Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili I made for dinner last night. I had a small bowl with my salad, and it was even better today! I love how the flavors in chili come together overnight ensuring wonderful leftovers.
Can I get three cheers for yogurt bowls? Nothing out of the ordinary in my afternoon snack. The Pomegranate Chobani has always been one of my favorites, but I’ve really been feeling it lately. I mixed it up with banana chips, Craisins, and a little Love Grown granola. Of course, there’s an apple in there too. Honeycrisps are still making an appearance in my grocery store, and I’m taking full advantage.
Let’s talk dinner a minute. Last week Julie decided to declare a Crock Pot Challenge. She’s determined to try ten new Crock Pot recipes by the end of February, and I decided to join her. I’ve always loved my Crock Pot, but I’ve never used it for much more than beans. Julie’s challenge gives me a perfect excuse to be more adventurous with it, and the adventure began last night. The first recipe I decided to try was Skinnytaste’s Chicken Taco Chili.
Chicken Taco Chili
adapted very slightly from Skinnytaste
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 16 oz. cans of kidney beans
- 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
- 12 oz package frozen corn kernels
- 2 14.5-oz cans Rotel
- 2T homemade taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 20 oz (3-4) boneless skinless chicken tenders
- cheddar cheese
- sour cream
Combine first 8 ingredients in your Crock Pot. Place chicken on top of bean mixture, and turn your crock pot on low for about 9 1/2 hours. Remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to Crock Pot and let cook for another 45 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese and sour cream to taste. Enjoy!
It was delicious! Like I said, I adapted this very, very slightly from Skinnytaste. Be sure to check out her original recipe if you’re interested in all of the nutritional information. This is a great if you’re involved in the Crock Pot Challenge, or just looking for a wonderful cold weather recipe!
And, finally, a rarity around here-Dessert! I picked these up at the store last weekend, and I’m almost through the entire box. They’ve been a perfect after dinner snack, and you better believe I’ll be having another one tonight!
That’s another Wednesday in the books which means the weekend is right around the corner! Now, I’ve got to run. Mary is threatening to marry Richard, and I’ve just GOT TO KNOW! See ya tomorrow!
Who’s your favorite Downton character? How often do you use your Crock Pot?
Free Range Human 
January 16, 2013 at 4:48 pm
omg, Bob and I watched three episodes in a row of Downton Abbey a few nights ago. We were on a roll–it was just too good! So far, we love grandmama. She cracks us up!
January 17, 2013 at 8:57 am
It is addicting!! The further I get into the show, the more I love Grandmama. I really do laugh at her constantly!
January 16, 2013 at 5:08 pm
1st Question: Do you microwave the peanut butter jar to make the oatmeal?
2nd Question: What is that yummy looking dessert?
I think I might join in the crock pot challenge. I definitely need to use mine more.
January 17, 2013 at 9:01 am
No, I just make the oatmeal on the stove top as usual and then pour it into the peanut butter jar. I suppose you could microwave it. I’ve just always done stove top oats! The dessert is a Greek yogurt ice cream bar. Yoplait makes them, and they are delicious!
January 16, 2013 at 6:34 pm
I never remember to use the crockpot but need to bc it’s so easy. Taco chili is one of my fav dishes!
January 17, 2013 at 9:01 am
That’s how I am usually too which is why I’m so glad Julie started this challenge. This is a great recipe!
January 16, 2013 at 6:40 pm
No lie, I watched Downton all day today. I had to do it. 😉 Honestly, there are so many characters I like. I’m definitely Team Mary because I’m the oldest child, and it’s no secret I love Cousin Matthew/Dan Stevens. 😉 Now that I’m rewatching episodes, I appreciate the Dowager even more–she’s so clever and spot on!
January 17, 2013 at 8:53 am
I almost put a disclaimer on that question that you can’t pick Cousin Matthew, and you were exactly who I was thinking of!! The further we go along the more I love the Dowager as well. I laugh just about every time she opens her mouth!
January 16, 2013 at 6:42 pm
I have to say I’m a little mad at you right now – I’m going through the second season of Downton Abbey and you’re (apparently) a little ahead of me! Spoilers!!! 🙂
I’ll forgive you though, don’t worry. 🙂
January 17, 2013 at 8:52 am
Oh no! And you know I actually thought about that as soon as I hit publish! Don’t worry-I didn’t spoil too much. You still have so much to look forward to!
January 16, 2013 at 7:31 pm
I always like to end my night on the sweet side. mmm
January 17, 2013 at 8:53 am
Me too. It seems like I always need a little something.
January 16, 2013 at 7:43 pm
That chili looks awesome! I love any chili and any crock pot meal!
January 17, 2013 at 8:53 am
I agree on both counts! This was delicious!
January 16, 2013 at 8:28 pm
I love crockpot recipes. Your recipe sounds delicious!
January 17, 2013 at 8:46 am
It was really, really good! And it makes a ton so you can freeze some for later!
January 16, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Yum! Crockpots are the best! And I < 3 that PB
January 17, 2013 at 8:47 am
Crock Pots are the best! I was really impressed by that peanut butter. It was yummy!
January 16, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Three cheers indeed for yogurt bowls :)! If you think season 2 is good, wait till you get season 3..it goes NUTS :)! My favorite character right now is Mary…and Carson..and Lord Grantham- oh don’t make me choose :)!
January 17, 2013 at 8:47 am
Exactly! That’s exactly how I feel! Right now, I’m kind of loving Violet. She’s hilarious!
January 17, 2013 at 1:06 am
That taco chilli sounds amazing! I don’t use my crock pot enough at all, with all these recipes popping up in the blogword I need to bust it out!
January 17, 2013 at 8:48 am
It’s such a time saver. I love using mine!
January 17, 2013 at 1:51 am
That Taco Chili sounds awesome!!!! Have an amazing rest of the week ❤
January 17, 2013 at 8:48 am
Thanks! And it was! You should definitely give it a try.
January 17, 2013 at 3:03 am
Caramel + ice cream = my demise!
I love it and if its in my freezer it won’t be there long!
And that chili recipe is going on my “to make eventually” list! 🙂
January 17, 2013 at 8:49 am
I totally agree! Caramel is where it’s at. John is a hot fudge guy, and it’s definitely a sticky spot in our marriage 😉
January 17, 2013 at 8:16 am
I love chili, so I love trying new varieties! And chili in the crock pot is the best!
January 17, 2013 at 8:50 am
Yes it is! Crock pots are so easy. This was super good-I think you’d really like it!
January 17, 2013 at 8:19 am
You have so much Downton stuff to look forward to! Such a great season. And that chili looks great! I gotta keep that in mind for the next Crockpot recipe I want to try 🙂
January 17, 2013 at 8:50 am
You definitely should-you’re on a Crock Pot roll! 🙂
January 17, 2013 at 9:24 am
That crockpot chicken taco chili looks delicous. It’s making me hungry like NOW!
January 17, 2013 at 11:15 am
It was so good! I brought some for lunch today, and I am anxiously awaiting noon!
January 17, 2013 at 9:45 am
That Chicken Taco Chili looks and sounds amazing. I will probably make this on Sunday so that I can have the leftovers for lunch next week 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2013 at 11:16 am
It makes a ton, Di! I’ve had it for lunch for two days, and we’re having it for dinner again tonight. And I’ll probably still freeze some!
January 17, 2013 at 10:01 am
The yogurt bowl looks amazing!! I am all about crockpot meals and dessert. We use ours every week!
January 17, 2013 at 11:16 am
I’m definitely going to get in the habit of using mine more often. I love yogurt bowls. They’re a standard around here!
January 17, 2013 at 1:35 pm
I seem to go on crock pot kicks… I’ll use it for a while then it’ll sit in the cabinet for 6 months. It sounds like a great challenge!
January 17, 2013 at 1:37 pm
I’m really glad she challenged everyone because I want to get into the habit. I’ve always loved mine, but I only use it for two or three things!
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