I made this good Chili, and I'm wondering if I need this cookbook?

[browneye]

I got my Oct issue of "Real Simple" magazine, and on the cover there was a recipe and an ad for CL's 15 minute 5 ingredient cookbook. I made the recipe for Beefy Black Bean Chili last night, and was quite surprised how tasty it was, and soooo easy. The family loved it.

I'm thinkin' about getting this book, since my life has gotten real hectic and there's even less time for cooking than before.

I did a search, and found one thread about this cookbook, it was pretty old, and a link to another thread that seems to have vanished into cyber-land. (Gail, I was a good girl and did a search before I posted this message!!! :D )
Anyway, wondered if there are any more comments, recommendations, reviews on this cookbook or the recipes in it?

IS is worth having?

I need to expand my repertoire of really, really fast dinners.

Advice please! :D :D

[sneezles]

I have the book and have made a couple of things in it but I seem to gravitate to the Annuals or The Complete Cooking Light Cookbook first. I have a lot of books that I don't use very often but the one or two that I do use in there seems valid reason enough for me to keep it on the shelf (and it's the same rationale I use to buy new books ;) ).

[KathrynY]

Hi Paula! Good to see you today :).

I have the 15 minute 5 ingredient cookbook, but haven't made anything out of it in quite some time. I tried a couple of recipes when I first got it, and they were ok but very basic and a bit bland, so I tend to pass it over in favor of other cookbooks I've had more success with.

I haven't tried the Beefy Black Bean Chili, so I'm glad to hear your family enjoyed it. I would love to get other recommendations so I can put this cookbook to better use.

[browneye]

Originally posted by KathrynY
Hi Paula! Good to see you today :).

I have the 15 minute 5 ingredient cookbook, but haven't made anything out of it in quite some time. I tried a couple of recipes when I first got it, and they were ok but very basic and a bit bland, so I tend to pass it over in favor of other cookbooks I've had more success with.

I haven't tried the Beefy Black Bean Chili, so I'm glad to hear your family enjoyed it. I would love to get other recommendations so I can put this cookbook to better use.

Hi Kathryn :D :D

Good to see you guys and hear from some familiar people! I don't get on the BB much these days... and then when I do it seems I don't see many familiar names anymore! Great to hear from you and Sneezles too! :D

About that Black Bean Chili- I made two very slight variations, I used one can of Black beans and one can of Pinquintos- S&W brand, they are a seasoned bean, cuz that's what I had on hand. I used Penzey's Chli powder instead of the "package of chili seasoning mix" and threw in some chipotle powder as well. YUM! I had very low expectations for this recipe, and it surprised me. It will be my quick stand-by chili recipe from now on when I don't have time for the simmer-all-day kind.

Thanks for the feedback. Talk to ya soon!

[jellyben]

Browneye, would you mind posting the Beefy Black Bean Chili recipe?
It sounds delish!!

Karen

[browneye]

Sure, here ya go!


Beefy Black Bean Chili

1 pound lean ground round (this would be fine with turkey, too)
2 15 oz cans no-salt-added black beans, undrained
1 cup medium or hot chunky-style salsa
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 tblsp. chili seasoning mix
Low-fat sour cream (optional)
SHredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional)
Tortilla chips (optional)

Cook meat in a large saucepan over med-high heat until meat is browned, stirring until it crumbles. Drain, if necessary.
While meat cooks, drain and mash 1 can of beans. Add mashed beans, undrained beans, salsa, tomato sauce, and seasoning mix to saucepan. stir well. Cook over medium heat 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Spoon into serving bowls. Top with optional toppings, if desired.

Yield: 7 cups.
Per cup: Calories 236, fat 3.9, Protein 22.8, carb 27.6, fiber 5.2

Notes: This recipe says it makes 7- 1 cup servings. I don't know anyone who eats just one cup of chili for a main dish meal!! This was enough for 4 good servings. I used one can of black beans and one can of seasoned pinquitos (with liquid). I used Newman's salsa. I used Penzey's chile powder-about 2 Tblsp. or so instead of buying an envelope of chili seasoning mix. I also added some of Penzey's chipotle chili powder. YUMMY!

[jellyben]

Thanks!! I actually have all the ingredients on hand(what are the chances!) so it looks like dinner tonight!

Karen

[GrinsandGiggles]

Finally got around to trying this one this weekend, as we needed a quick and easy meal. This was surprisingly good, and so very easy! Thanks, Browneye, for sharing and posting :)

[kima]

Just popping in to say HI Paula!!! Hope things are well with you! Sounds like you are still as busy as ever!:)