Southern Chili Night
It’s Tablescape Thursday with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch!
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.
A little fall decor
Pretty bowls with saucers
A plate underneath for extra crackers
Warm and cozy
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.
Tags: Southern Table, Southern Tablescape
October 14th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Love your autumn tablescape! Gives you such a warm cozy feeling.
October 14th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
This is gorgeous!!!
October 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Very pretty! Just the two of you, how sweet! I love those kind of meals. 🙂
Jane
October 14th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Love the fall table…So pretty…
xoxo
Julie
October 14th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
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!
October 14th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
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!
October 14th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Love those dishes!
October 14th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Love your dishes and the chilie recipe sounds too good.
Sandy
October 14th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Love your dishes and the chilie recipe looks too good. Everything looks cozy and inviting.
Sandy
October 14th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I almost made chili today too! I will have to try this recipe. Love all the fall colors, looks very cozy!
October 14th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I’ll be making chili on Halloween! The bowls are so pretty. How romantic to have a table for 2.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Love the bowls and dishes!! We had chili tonight too and a fire!
October 14th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
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!
October 14th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
YUMMMM! I have to try this recipe…Thanks
October 15th, 2009 at 9:38 am
So pretty and I love the dishes. So colorful!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Such a lovely tablescape! Happy fall to you and please stop over for a visit soon!
Michelle
October 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
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!
October 15th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
What a lovely way to enjoy a cup of chili, especially on a cold, wet night. Makes me want to join you!
October 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Your china is very pretty. I love the warm colours.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I love Chili, but the weather has to be just right. Glad you had the perfect weather to enjoy yours.
Becky
October 15th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
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
October 15th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
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!
October 16th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Love the fall colours and chili sounds really good this weekend!