Friday, December 05, 2008

Four Foods On Friday 58

I hope that everyone has recovered from their turkey-induced comas and is ready for another great round of Four Foods questions from Valerie. This week I was forced to confess to one of my dirty little expat secrets: my maid. I love having a maid to do all those things I’m not good at – like cleaning. But when I’m forced to admit that she even does the things simple things like dishes, I realize that my overseas laziness has reached all new heights.

1. Does your family usually eat meals in the kitchen or somewhere else?
Growing up we ate all of our meals at the kitchen table as a family. I think that’s why I now almost always eat in the living room in front of the TV. Let’s call it delayed teenage rebellion.

2. Who usually does the dishes in your house?
After filling the dishwasher for years growing up, I am somewhat embarrassed to say that person who now does my dishes is my housekeeper. *blush*

3. What’s your favorite small appliance or tool in the kitchen?
I’m going to have vote for my food processor. When Hubby and I were first married, I registered for and received a classic Cuisinart Food Processor. It was a thing of beauty with a motor that considered heavy pasta dough as easy to spin as a batch of salsa. Since moving abroad I’ve bought two other food processors but neither is as good as my Cuisinart that is sitting in storage back in the States.

4. This one’s for my son. Share a recipe for chili.
In an attempt to make this dish even healthier, we tried this chili with soy meat - three types of beans and soy meat. I don’t recommend that.

Healthy Turkey Chili
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped
3 to 4 Serrano peppers, chopped
1lb of ground turkey
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (14-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14-ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup coarsely chopped chocolate
2 cups red wine
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions
Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add onion and sauté over medium-high heat until translucent. Add the turkey and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Add the peppers, seasonings, beans, tomatoes, chocolate, and wine. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Garnish with the cilantro and serve immediately.

16 comments:

Brenda said...

My housekeeper does my dishes too. One of the perks of living here as far as I am concerned. But when she is not around, my husband helps out.

That chili recipe looks good! I bet the chocolate gives it a deep flavor.

Jaynie said...

I didn't confess to my maid (I'm also an ex-pat, but in Asia) because she puts the dishes in the dishwasher so I figure the dishwasher still does them - yeah :-)

Anonymous said...

Soya mince - yum! (I'm a vegetarian...)

1. We don't have a dining room so eat in the kitchen.

2. My husband usually loads and unloads the dishwasher.

3. My favourite appliance in the kitchen is my husband... he clears, wipes surfaces (sort of) and does dishwashing things. Unfortunately, I have to vacuum and clean the floor.

Otherwise, my coffee machine is my preciousssssss in the kitchen.

4. A recipe for Chili? Wear warm socks and read a book in front of the fire!

mythopolis said...

I am the automatic dishwasher in my house, although I must admit my dog is always eager to help.

Christine Gram said...

If you saw my kitchen, you'd see that no one does the dishes. We just pile them up, buy more, pile them higher, and haul them out at the end of the month with the rest of the garbage heap. Ok... it's not that bad, but I do have a lot of catching up to do tonight.

Lydia said...

Yes, I admitted to my housekeeper this week, too! But really, when you have Egypt to deal with, dishes really just don't rank in the "need to do" category! Just running one errand can suck up the whole day. "What did you do today, honey?" "I got some printer paper." "And?" "Well, the shop didn't open until 11, then they didn't have the right kinds, and the other shop did but didn't have change, and then his brother . . . " on and on and on. **high-five** for maids!!

Anonymous said...

Not sure about the turkey chili but the Hamburger Helper Recipe Book chili is still as good as ever.
We had to buy a new Cuisinart last week. The other one died, but then, I think it was the original model and worked like a dream. The--although it did make scones this week.
merthyrmum

Anele said...

That chili sounds awesome! I'll have to give that a try. Color me jealous over the maid! LOL

Anonymous said...

I'd love to say that a housekeeper does my dishes! Now, I just need to find a housekeeper! :-D

Gutsy Living said...

I think you're right about eating in front of the TV after you've been sitting at a dinner table as a kid. That's what we do now too.
Enjoy the housekeeper. Heck, I'd have one too if I lived in Cairo. More time for blogging.

Anonymous said...

I WISH I had househelp. I grew up with one in Kenya and running a household in the states without one, I know what i'm missing.

Hubby does dishes, laundry, and cleans... hmmm what do I do? I cook....

favorite appliance: submersible blender from Cuisinart. I can blend hot soups right in the pot. can't beat that!

lizzy-loo said...

don't knock the housekeeper. remember you're just helping out the local economy.

1. dinner in the dining room.
2.i have a hubby with dishpan hands.
3.kitchen aid mixer - heavenly!
4. chili recipe? come to your house.

Anonymous said...

I let the kids eat in the living room in front of the TV only if there's a good movie on.

Anonymous said...

No need to not admit you have a housekeeper/maid. They are a must these days! My hubby said to tell you that I have a butler. Ha! It is him. LOL

Anonymous said...

I want to have a household staff when I grow up, and a Cusineart, too. Oh wait - too late! :0(

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I have a dishwasher too. She's 10. :-) But...we do have a housekeeper to do all the other stuff. Cause I just don't have the time or the energy to do it. And whatever the expense...it's so worth it!