*Today’s post is sponsored by Stanley Brand, but my love for fall, chili, cider and festive celebration essentials is all my own!*
You know what I love about this time of year… other than pumpkin spice everything?! I love the cooling temps, festive fire pits, cozy blankets, chili in the crock, hot cider (spiked, unless your pregnant!) and quality time with friends and family… outdoors!
I was thrilled when Stanley wanted to collaborate with 2 cats & chloe again! As a camper and someone who loves food and entertaining - I was excited to have an excuse to light up the fire pit, make my award winning chili and sip some fall spiced cider with my family. Tis the season, right?!
In the end, since everyone’s schedules seem to be so crazy these days, it was only my momma and I enjoying this hangout sesh. We went on what felt like a snipe hunt through the yard, looking for dry branches. (Post-hurricane, fire pits: while sticks are easy to find, wet ones aren’t easy to light!) But two girl scouts are never going to settle for a lame fire! By the end of our meal, as our tumblers were out of cider… the fire began to roar. And it was just plain lovely.
For those of you who are still hoping to see a baby bump… you will have to hold out just a bit longer. I feel like I am just getting wider and wigglier. Not pregnancy-cuter by any means! (PS. Is pregnancy updates something you would want to see around here? I do not intend on going legit mommy-blogger on ya, but I also want to stay true to the lifestyle thing and actually document my life…)
Anyway, it was a great evening spent with my mom and my pets. We turned off our phones, enjoyed a meal, sipped some cider and just watched the fire. Guys, does it get any better than this for a Monday night?!
Now before you freak out and say “She has an award winning chili and she hasn’t share it with us?!” let me preface this with - it’s not paleo and it’s definitely not Whole30 compliant. That being said, proceed with caution. This Chicken Chili will easily become your new favorite thing! (Fine print: I have won three chili cook off awards with this recipe so if you’re going to enter it into a chili cook off - and I run into you there - you better pack up your crock and let me take home the gold. Does that sound fair?!)
- 1 Rotisserie Chicken
- 12 Ounces of Pepper Jack Cheese (cut into cubes)
- 32 Ounces of Chicken Broth
- 1 Jar of Mild or Medium Salsa
- 45 Ounces of Northern White Beans (drained)
- 1 Dash of Cumin
- Pull all of the chicken meat off of the already cooked, rotisserie chicken. Cut or tear the chicken into smaller, bite size pieces.
- Put all of the ingredients in a slow cooker set to low for 8 hours.
- Enjoy!
I personally like mine extra cheesy so I add more cheese and sometimes less broth. If you like it soupier, add more broth (because after marrying all day… it tastes legit!)
A little shout out to the AWESOME Stanley Gear that helped make this evening even more memorable… I speak from experience when I say that Stanley products are built for life. Whether it’s surviving another outdoor adventure or serving as a reliable must-have for tailgating season – Stanley provides top quality outdoor gear. AND you can pop these suckers all in the dishwasher too! #DontMindIfIDo!
Stanley sent me the Adventure Vacuum Crock, the Classic Vacuum Growler, and the Adventure Stacking Steel Tumblers. After playing with and using all of these products, I have to say that while the Crock is off the hook amazing and perfect for tailgating, I am obsessed with the Vacuum Growler and the Tumblers. Our cider stayed hot for hours and the tumblers, with their colorful koozies were the perfect touch!
So there ya have it guys and gals! How did you spend your Monday evening? I highly recommend you pencil this in for next Monday… If you ask me, Award Winning Chicken Chili, Cider, Stanley, a Firepit and family may just be the perfect way to start a week.
