Autumn Chili with a Twist

September 29, 2013 Miranda Hammer

Chili is always an autumn staple in my kitchen, mainly because of its accessibility and versatility. It can really be as basic or as complex as you want but, regardless of your chili style, it can serve as a great platform for a complex carbohydrate, fiber, and vegetable protein-dense meal.

I'm always one who gets excited over the prospect of garnishes, and chili is the perfect way to provide yourself and your dining companions with options to add their flavor specific flare. For the chili, I made a little pico, some lime tinged "crema", toasted organic corn tortillas, and, of course the obligatory avocado.

Urban flame roasted poblanos, coffee, raw cacao nibs, and aged balsamic vinegar all played their parts in adding depth of flavor to an autumn kitchen staple.

Spice Up Your Oats

September 23, 2013 Miranda Hammer

I will admit that I used to fall victim to those instant microwaveable sugar-laden packets of oats, where the oats have been cut and processed and lack much of the beneficial fiber, iron, and phosphorous. Steel cut and minimally processed oats are always best in order to retain much of the oat’s inherent benefits. To literally "spice" up my oats, I utilized seasonal apples and created a "crunchified" version of the instant apple cinnamon flavored packs.