Southern Chili Night

It’s Tablescape Thursday with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch!
tabelscape

It has been cool and rainy and dreary here this week. Days like this make me want to stay in and cook and just be all warm and cozy. That is where this tablescape came from. I fixed a pot of chili and set the coffee table in the living room. We will just stay in and have our chili and watch a little tv and read and be comfortable.

Just the two of us.
Just the two of us.
A little fall decor
A little fall decor
Pretty bowls with saucers
Pretty bowls with saucers
A plate underneath for extra crackers
A plate underneath for extra crackers
Warm and cozy
Warm and cozy
Chili night
Chili night

What a lovely way to spend the evening!

Today’s Lagniappe: Norvelle’s Jail House Chili
I’ve posted this before, but it is worth posting again. Norvelle was my husband’s mother’s housekeeper who was like a second mom to him. She made this wonderful chili. This recipe is originally from A Cooks Tour of Shreveport from the Junior League of Shreveport, Louisiana, 1964. Norvelle’s version is quite a bit spicier than the original. The recipe here has the measurements that she used. She made her changes in pencil in the cookbook. Read more about Norvelle here.

3 lb. diced lean beef or hamburger
1/4 cup liquid shortening (I use a couple of tablespoons – Christi)
1 quart water
8 tablespoons chili powder
5 teaspoons salt
8 cloves finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons marjoram
1 teaspoon red pepper (can use 1/2)
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons paprika

To thicken:
3 tablespoons flour
6 tablespoons corn meal
1 cup water

Heat oil in a large pot, add meat and sear over high heat, stir constantly until meat is gray but not brown. Add water and cover, cooking over low fire for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add remaining ingredients, except thickening, and cook at a bubbling simmer for 30 minutes. Mix together thickening ingredients and add to chili. Cook about 5 more minutes and stir to prevent sticking. More water may be added for desired consistency. If meat is very fat, skim off fat before adding thickening. This is rather hot chili. For milder flavor, cut the chili powder and red pepper in half but add more paprika for color.


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Comments

23 responses to “Southern Chili Night”

  1. Sherri Avatar

    Love the fall colours and chili sounds really good this weekend!

  2. Sherri S Avatar

    Since I am still a ‘babe’ to tablescapes, I love the simple cozy for 2 ideas. It’s just my teen daughter and I at home. We enjoy making our plates and catching a fav tv show or movie sometimes. This is a great idea to make it cute for us!

  3. Sue Avatar

    I love the dishes, and the chili recipe looks good. I’ve never made chili with cornmeal in it. I’ll give it a try.

    Sue

  4. becky Avatar

    I love Chili, but the weather has to be just right. Glad you had the perfect weather to enjoy yours.
    Becky

  5. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    Your china is very pretty. I love the warm colours.

  6. Sarah @ Hyacinth Avatar

    What a lovely way to enjoy a cup of chili, especially on a cold, wet night. Makes me want to join you!

  7. honeysuckle Avatar

    It sounds so good and perfect for these fall chilly nights. The setting is lovely too and just right for two. Thanks for sharing all of it. Have a wonderful weekend!

  8. Michelle Avatar

    Such a lovely tablescape! Happy fall to you and please stop over for a visit soon!
    Michelle

  9. amy Avatar

    So pretty and I love the dishes. So colorful!

  10. Ann Messick Avatar

    YUMMMM! I have to try this recipe…Thanks

  11. Kathryn@BonafideSouthern Avatar

    Very pretty table for two! I love the dishes you’ve used. They’re perfect for autumn. Thanks for sharing and happy TT to you!

  12. nannykim/spindle cottage Avatar

    Love the bowls and dishes!! We had chili tonight too and a fire!

  13. Lorna Avatar

    I’ll be making chili on Halloween! The bowls are so pretty. How romantic to have a table for 2.

  14. Karyn Avatar

    I almost made chili today too! I will have to try this recipe. Love all the fall colors, looks very cozy!

  15. Sandy Avatar

    Love your dishes and the chilie recipe looks too good. Everything looks cozy and inviting.
    Sandy

  16. Sandy Avatar

    Love your dishes and the chilie recipe sounds too good.
    Sandy

  17. Martha Avatar

    I love chili on days like this — perfect for fall — thanks for inviting us to join you with those wonderful bowls — I’ll have seconds!

  18. Kat Avatar

    What a cute little table for two. It’s a bit chilly here now too. I love your dishes they are so darling. Thanks for sharing your TST with me!

  19. Julie Avatar

    Love the fall table…So pretty…
    xoxo
    Julie

  20. Jane Avatar

    Very pretty! Just the two of you, how sweet! I love those kind of meals. 🙂

    Jane

  21. Marsha Avatar

    Love your autumn tablescape! Gives you such a warm cozy feeling.

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