Cook or Eat Out

 I am truly amazed at the number of friends we have that do not cook at home.  Or if they do fix a meal, it's canned, boxed, or frozen.  I cannot imagine going out to eat several times a week.  However, I am somewhat of a food snob.  I only want to eat at certain places where I know they serve quality, tasty food.
And, the cost sometimes is well.......remember we are retired!

Conversely,  many people cannot believe how much I cook at home.  My husband really enjoys leftovers.  So that is either another meal at supper time or he eats them up at lunchtime.  Thus, it  makes it easy.  Sunday I made a pot roast with carrots, potatoes, onion.  Ate Sunday and Monday dinner.  Last night we had Greek Chicken with Orzo Pasta and Feta.  Another great meal.  Today, it's Chili.

It really isn't difficult cooking at home, it just gets exhausting trying to think of something different to make all the time.  Seems like the same old thing is made, over and over again.  I, too, try to cook so I can take a dish of whatever over to my Mother.  She no longer cooks for herself, but hey, I wouldn't either at 92.

I thought I would help all you non-cooking friends out with a truly good recipe.  I just whipped up a batch - will take some to Mom and also have leftovers for a few meals.  This one is definitely a favorite.

Simmering on the stove top as I am posting

Dam Good Chili from Just Get Off Your Butt and Bake

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) jar salsa (use mild or medium or hot)
4 tablespoons chili seasoning mix ( I use McCormick's Original Chili)
1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
**1/4 cup brown sugar
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground beef and the onion and saute for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease well.
Add the ground black pepper, garlic salt, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix and kidney beans.  Add brown sugar. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour.

Top with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.

When we were growing up, I remember my dad wanting chili mac or chili con carne.  Either way, you simply boil macaroni  and scoop the chili into your bowl over a bed of macaroni.  Yum, yum

We like ours with the macaroni.

How about you?  Do you cook at home?  Do you eat out a lot?  If you have a "go to" recipe that's easy, I'd love for you to share!