Four Bean Chili With Blue Cheese Cornbread Croutons Recipes

SOUTHERN CAESAR SALAD WITH HONEYED CORNBREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients, and mix well with a wire whisk. Cover and chill an hour or more.
• Cook ham in peanut oil in a skillet over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until browned. Drain on paper towels. Let Cool.
• Combine lettuce and pecans in a large bowl, add dressing, tossing gently. Put ham strips on top and sprinkle with Honeyed Cornbread Croutons.

QUICK AND EASY MEATBALL CHILI

Steps:

• Cut the meatballs into quarters.
• Place the cut meatballs in a large pot. Add all the rest of the ingredients (EXCEPT CHEESE). Stir well.
• Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes.
• For the Crockpot: Place the quartered meatballs in the crockpot along with everything else (EXCEPT CHEESE).
• Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 4 hours. (All crockpots seem to cook a little faster or slower than others.).
• Serve hot with some cheese on top, if desired.

BLUE CHEESE CORNBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease 8" square baking pan.
• Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix till blended.
• Put into a prepared pan.
• Bake till firm to the touch-about 30 minutes.
• Cool slightly-Cut into squares.

CORNBREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450º. Place cornbread cubes in large bowl and drizzle melted butter over all. Stir lightly but thoroughly so that all cubes are buttered.
• Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes, turning once, or until cubes are browned the way you like them.
• Serve warm or cooled on salads, chilis, and soups.

FOUR BEAN CHILI WITH BLUE CHEESE-CORNBREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• For chili:.
• Place a large stockpot over medium high heat and heat the olive oil.
• Add the onions, red bell pepper, garlic, chile peppers, and jalapenoes.
• Cook, stirring, until the onions begin to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, Great Northern beans, black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans.
• Stir together.
• Pour in the chicken stock and juice.
• Stir well.
• Add the red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
• Turn the heat to medium-low and cook until the chili is hot throughout, 30 to 45 minutes.
• For Blue Cheese-Cornbread Croutons: [Make while chili is cooking for 30-45 minutes on medium low].
• Preheat the oven to 425.
• Grease a baking pan or cast iron skillet.
• Prepare the cornbread mix according to package directions.
• Stir in the blue cheese.
• Take care not to overmix.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared backing pan or skillet.
• Bake in the oven until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, dependeing on the package directions.
• Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.
• When cool, cut the cornbread into oversize cubes of about 1 and 1/2 to 2".
• Drizzle the cornbread cubes with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
• Toast in the 425 oven until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
• Season the croutons with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• When cool, store in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator until ready to use.