Much Ado About Nothing...

Last night, the mountains behind Sitka.   Sitka is on a bay that is surrounded by tall mountains, some of which are volcanos.   The mountains may look small in this picture, but they rise to just over 5,000', which from my sea-level vantage point makes them look very large!

The "Big Storm" didn't really materialize.   It stayed offshore, such that the highest wind gusts we saw were all of 16knts.   And while the rain was occasionally heavy; it was mostly very light.

This picture was from the "height of the storm", about noon.  Fortunately, it looks more ominous than it really was.  No one is complaining about that...

We started the day trying to beat the rains with a quick trip to the local and remarkably well-stocked grocery store/market which is just up the hill from the marina.  Knowing that we were stocking up for the next week, we brought our trusty cart, which we have yet to name.   Suggestions, anyone?

 

Yup, we shop for food, just like everyone else.   Thank you for asking.   In the case of a boat, the transportation is a bit more challenging.   But my Dr. says I need the exercise.

Which, by the way, I'm down to a trim 163lbs.   I think this is the lightest I've been since Ross was born.   I generally feel so much better, and blood sugars are back to normal as is my blood pressure!   Yea!

Given the lousy forecast, I thought chili con carne would be a particularly fitting meal.  Something warm, stick to your ribs, and Tex-Mex.  And it pairs well with fresh cornbread.

This is my family recipe (Jennifer, any corrections?).  Remember, YMMV.

Ingredients:

1lb pulled pork
1/2 lb pork chorizo
1/2 lb lean fresh ground beef
1 large red onion
1 large yellow onion, diced large
3 cloves garlic
2 bunches of scallions/green onions, including the greens, diced large
1 large pasilla or poblano pepper, diced large
1 jalapeno, sliced
2 large cans of diced tomatoes
1 large can of whole tomatoes (cut in half)
1 large can of tomato sauce
2 large cans of red kidney beans
2 small cans of black beans
2 small cans of pinto beans
4 Tbs chipotle chili powder
4 Tbs ground cumin
3 Tbs oregano
1 lime, juiced (optional)

Lots of black pepper (hey, it's me...)
Cilantro to taste
More or less spice to taste (I always use more).

Cooking:

In a large heavy pot, brown the meats, throw in the onions (hold out the green onion greens until the end), throw in the peppers, add the chili powder, cumin, & oregano (you may need to add some water).  Cook until the onions start to soften.   Pull the pork apart with a fork.   Add in the tomatoes and beans.  Add in the rest of the spices, onion greens, and a bit of cilantro.   Simmer for a few hours.   Taste & spice to your preference with more chili powder, black pepper, & salt.  Remove from heat.   Serve with fresh cilantro, lime, and Mexi-blend cheese.   You can also add fresh jalapenos for more kick.

Adios and Buenas Noches...