3 Bean Turkey Chili w/ Johnny Cakes

Dinner Tonight: 3 Bean Turkey Chili w/ Johnny Cakes




For Breakfast this morning I fried up some of the Baked Ham I had prepared yesterday. Then I also fried up an Egg Sunnyside Up, toasted a couple of slices of Aunt Millie's Light Whole Grain Bread, and had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Mostly sunny and 48 degrees and not quite as windy. The

winds yesterday were strong and down right freezing! Mom wanted to go to Jungle Jim's International Market, which I'm always ready to go to! The most incredible Market that I've ever seen or been to. The Deli, Meat, Produce, and Seafood Departments are 2nd to none. Love shopping there. Back home I put everything away. Then after Lunch we went up to spend the afternoon with Dad. So I’m making my 3 Bean Turkey Chili for Dinner! I prepared the Turkey and mixed the Beans last night. So this morning I already had the Crock Pot set up and ready along having the Turkey and Beans. So its my 3 Bean Turkey Chili and I made some Johnny Cakes for Dinner tonight.




To make my Chili I’m using Jennie -O Lean Ground Turkey. The 3 Beans I use are 1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Black Beans), 1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans ( Kidney Beans), 1 Can (16 oz.)

Bush’s Chili Beans (Great Northern Beans) drained and rinsed, Then I mix in 1 Red Onion (medium Chopped or Minced), 1 Jalapeno Pepper (Seeded and Chopped), and 3 Cloves Minced Garlic. For my spices I use 1 Packet McCormick Chili Mix, 2 Cans (6 oz.) Hunt’s Tomato Paste (2 cans), 1/2 Tsp Ground Cocoa Chili Blend (McCormick), 1/2 Tsp Ground Chipotle Chili Pepper (McCormick), 2 Tbs. Ground Roasted Cumin (McCormick), 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon (McCormick), 1 Tbs of Cilantro Leaves (McCormick), and 5 Dashes of Frank’s Hot Sauce or to taste (I usually add a lot more dashes!). What’s good about this recipe you can use your own favorite Spices and make your own tweaks to it and it turns out delicious.




First thing I do is get the Crock Pot out and put in a Glad Crock Pot Liner. The Liners are incredible,
just line your Crock Pot with one and spray it with Pam Cooking Spray. Now you are set to go. It makes for one easy clean up, just remove it when done and give the inside of your Crock Pot a quick wipe down and your clean up is done! On with the recipe.








I prepared the Beans and Ground Turkey last night. To prepare the Turkey, I started by browning the Jennie -O Ground Turkey. Using a large skillet sprayed with Pam Cooking Spray and 1 tablespoon of

Extra Light Olive Oil. Preheat the skillet on medium heat. When heated I add the Ground Turkey and all the Seasonings and Tomato Paste, stirring often. When the Turkey has browned I put it in a large plastic container and on into the fridge after it had cooled a bit. Next I opened all 3 cans of Bush Beans into a large bowl and stirred until mixed. Stored them in a bowl and in the fridge also. Then this morning I added everything to the Crock Pot. I also added a 1/2 cup of Water, stirred twice, and put the lid on the Crock Pot and set on low for 5-6 hours. The full recipe and list of ingredients is at the end of the post.





Then sit back and enjoy the aroma, that usually starts after an hour or so of simmering! I love a thick Chili and this one works! The Jennie – O Ground Turkey combined with all those Beans and Spices is a perfect match. Served it topped with some Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and a couple of shakes of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Also a side of Johnny Cakes, recipe below.









To prepare the Johnny Cakes (I love these…) all you’ll need is: Pam w/ Olive Oil Non – Stick Spray, 1/4 cup Extra Light Virgin Olive Oil, 1 3/4 cups Low Fat Buttermilk, and 2 cups Martha White Self Rising Enriched White Corn Meal Mix. Just mix all your ingredients in a large bowl. Spray your Pam

on a Flat Top Griddle or large Skillet and preheat on medium low, I use the Flat Top Griddle. When the Griddle is heated add your batter. You can make the Cakes any size you want from half-dollar size to regular pancake size cakes. After the bottom side turns golden brown flip over and let the other side get golden brown. The Cornbread works perfect with Chili! I had a Diet Peach Snapple to go with my Dinner. I took some of the Johnny Cakes and 3 Bean Turkey Chili over to Dad at the rehab center, which he loved. For Dessrt tonight a bowl of Breyer's Low Carb Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.







3 Bean Turkey Chili
Ingredients
1 lb. package Jennie – O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast

2 Cans (6 oz.) Hunt’s Tomato Paste
1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Red Beans)
1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans ( Kidney Beans)
1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Great Northern Beans), drained and rinsed
1 Packet McCormick Chili Mix
1/2 Red Onion (medium), Chopped or Minced
1 Jalapeno Pepper, Unseeded and Chopped
4 Cloves Minced Garlic
1/2 Tsp Ground Cocoa Chili Blend (McCormick)
1/2 Tsp Ground Chipotle Chili Pepper (McCormick)
2 Tbs. Ground Roasted Cumin
2 Tsps Ground Cinnamon
1 Tbs of Cilantro Leaves
5 Dashes of Frank’s Hot Sauce or to taste.
1/2 Cup of Water
Shredded Cheese, I use Grated Dutch Gouda or Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Topping)
Oyster Crackers
Frank’s Hot Sauce or to taste.

Directions:
*Brown Turkey in large saucepan on medium-high heat 10 min. or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Add all remaining spices and ingredients except 1 can of the tomato paste and water.
*ADD to slow cooker and add in the remaining 1 can of tomato paste and 1/2 cup of water.
*COVER with lid. Cook on HIGH 3 to 4 hours (or on LOW 5 to 6 hours).

*Serve in bowl or mug with cheese and oyster crackers, A Tablespoon of fat-free sour cream, Chopped Onions, or serve with some home made cornbread.



Johnny Cakes (My way)

Ingredients:

Pam w/ Olive Oil Non – Stick Spray
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 3/4 cups Buttermilk
2 cups Martha White Self Rising Enriched White Corn Meal Mix

Directions:

Just mix all your ingredients in a large bowl.
Spray your Pam on a Flat Griddle or large Skillet and preheat on medium low, I use the Flat Griddle.
When the Griddle is heated add your batter. You can make the Cakes any size you want from half-dollar size to regular pancake size cakes. After the bottom side turns golden brown flip over and let the other side get golden brown. Serve while warm and enjoy!