White Chicken Chili (slow cooker)

Cruise In Car Show

Friday night I had family and friends over for the Cruise In car show.  The car show is amazing.  Seven blocks of main street are closed off and there are hundreds of old cars.  They go all down main street and each side street.  It was one of my grandpa's favorite shows.  He was missed this year.

Each year we go through and I think about my '55 chevy.  This was the car I drove in high school.  My brother and sister and I each had an old chevy to drive.  Chad had a gold '55 and Heather had a red '52 (the hoopty mobile).  My parents gave the excuse that they are safer cars that were easier to work on.  But I think the real reason was we could not get in trouble with those cars without everyone knowing it was us.  It was more of a check up system while we were out with our friends.  But we had a great time driving them and working on them with Dad.  Maybe next year we'll get it out and fix it up for the show.

My senior pictures with my '55

I do have to say they are incredibly sturdy cars though.  Heather was in a wreck with hers once.  A van ran into the back of her and pushed her into a car in front of her.  The van and other car were all smashed up with smoke coming out of their hoods.  The hoopty mobile had one tiny dent in the back fender.

White Chicken Chili

After the show we came back for dinner.  With so much going on this weekend, I decided a slow cooker recipe would work best.  I found this White Chicken Chili recipe.  Place everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.  It turned out great.  It's not my favorite of white chicken chili, but it was tasty and the ease factor won it some major points.  I ended up using half of the cayenne pepper because one of the guests does not like spice.  Next time I will use the full amount.  I really like the addition of chick peas.  I have not seen many recipes that call for chick peas.

If you are looking an easy hearty meal, try this one out:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/White-Chili-5

Ingredients

• 3 medium onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• Corn chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream

Directions

• In a large skillet, saute the onions in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the chicken, beans, broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until bubbly. Stir in cilantro. Serve over corn chips; top with cheese and sour cream. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).

8 servings/ 6 points each (without cheese and sour cream)