Good morning! I hope that you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. Are you stuffed from all of the turkey and fixings? I am not one for leftovers so I just went back for seconds and called it a day. Currently, I am in full Christmas mode, shopping, decorating, baking and writing cards.
I am also looking for delicious and easy meals to make so that I have more free time to do all of the above. One of my favorite “go to” meals during the winter is chili or soup, as it is hearty, filling and delicious.
Sunday I made my version of Layered Chili from Ali Larter’s cookbook Kitchen Revelry along with Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread and it was the perfect ending to the holidays. Spicy, comforting and delicious.
Layered Chili
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups chopped onions ( from 2 medium)
6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 ounces dark chocolate chopped
1 12oz. bottle Guinness or lager beer
2 14oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes
2 151/2 oz. kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
garnish: cheese and sour cream
Directions
Mix the chili powder, cumin, and chili flakes in small bowl. Heat a heavy large non-stick pot over medium heat. add the spices and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the oil, then the onions and garlic, saute until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meats and saute until no longer pink. Add the oregano, tomato paste, salt and chocolate, stir 1-2 minutes. Add the beer and simmer 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and beans. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmer for 1 hour until the flavors develop.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Ingredients
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup seeded chopped jalapenos
11/2 tablespoons butter
11/2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Position rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425. Whisk cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. In another bowl whisk the milk, eggs, lemon juice and maple syrup until well blended. Add the milk mixture to flour mixture, stir to incorporate. Stir in cheese and jalapenos.
Melt the butter with the olive oil in a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the cornmeal batter into the skillet, the mixture will sizzle. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until slightly golden.
Remove skillet from oven and cool the cornbread slightly in the skilled. Cut into wedges and serve.
I hope that you have a great week! Happy December!
P.S:
If you need a little chocolate fix, visit Once Upon a Chocolate Life and try my latest Truffle Brownies. They are scrumptious!

Thank you for this recipe, Elizabeth….I make chili (always with cornbread!) quite a bit during the winter and will definitely try this one. Have a happy Monday! xoxo
One word… yum!! I just sent my Mr. the link and asked him to make this for me this weekend!
That corn bread sounds amazing! xx
I will be copying this and making my list at my desk during my break!
It's frozen here…perfect dinner for tomorrow night. Mr D loves chili!
My grands love looking at your Doxies on Instagram!
~Lynne
w/L.
That is quite a dish!
That looks so hearty and tasty! We love chili, especially this time of year. And the jalapeno cheddar cornbread sounds dee-lish – what a great twist on this classic!
Um. Yum. Looks so amazing. And, of course, the brownies round it out perfectly! Going to get that yummy recipe now! xo Kristy
Chili and cornbread is a favorite here, and the weather is perfect for it today. I will remember to add brownies to the menu next time. Enjoy your week!
GOOD MORNING ELIZABETH! Off to work but I wanted to come back to a place that I love. We could use some chili tonight here because it is wickedly cold. Hoping your area is not too cold! I am putting on my blue scarf and going out in -15 weather this morning!
BIG HUGS dear friend. Anita