Chilly day chili

Saturday it felt like winter, not the first weekend in August! Spencer spent the day outside working in the yard and he said chili sounded good for such a cold, wintery day. The chili recipe I follow is here:
http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/beefrecipes/r/lfgmaedaychili.htm

It was the first time I used my new Dutch oven and I loved it! This chili is always a big hit, especially when you top it with yummy cheese, sour cream and cornbread.  Spencer likes to SMOTHER his with butter and honey.  It's almost like dessert!  I think he likes the cornbread even more than the chili.  There is just something about this combination of flavors. We also enjoyed a nice pinot noir that we picked up on our winetasting trip to Carmel last weekend.  This meal evokes warmth and comfort, perfect for a relaxing night keeping warm on the couch and watching the Olympics.

I also made an apple pie using my apple peeler.  I know I have already posted about that handy little gadget, but I can't say enough about how useful it is.  I have always loved making pies, but was starting to dread the idea of it because peeling the apples took so much time and effort.  Luckily for Spencer, and other recipients of my apple pies, I no longer feel that way!

These are pictures from our cozy, cold-weather dinner:)