turnips + toddlers

Chili is one of those dishes that can be made a million different ways, with endless possibilities for ingredients. For this reason, chili is a cold weather staple, and learning a few new ways to enjoy it can help you add a new recipe or two to your meal rotation this season.  

While traditional recipes typically call for beans, tomatoes, and ground beef, this hearty dish has no hard and fast rules. This makes chili a great dish to experiment with different ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Here are some unusual chili additions you can try this season. 

Chocolate: It might sound strange, but chocolate is a great addition to chili. The sweetness pairs well with the spiciness of the chili peppers, and it adds a depth of flavor that you didn't know was missing. Try adding a couple of ounces of dark chocolate to your next batch of chili.

Coffee: Coffee is another ingredient that might seem out of place in chili, but it...

When it comes to baked goods, we often only think of sugary cakes and glazed treats, but just because something is baked doesn't mean it has to be unhealthy. With several simple substitutes, you can turn your favorite baked goods recipe into a nutrient-packed goodie you'll feel better after enjoying. While eating healthy foods that nourish your body is important, completely depriving yourself of occasional indulgences is unnecessary.  

Here are a few practical ways to add nutrients to your baked goods: 

Instead of Butter or Oil: Avocado, Pumpkin, or Banana

Avocados have those healthy fats your body needs, plus loads of nutrients. If you replace even half the butter with pureed or mashed avocado, you'll still have delicious cookies, muffins, and cakes. For cakes, in particular, reduce the baking temperature by 25% to keep them from rising too high in the center. 

Canned pumpkin, the pure stuff, can also replace your butter and add more...