Restaurants & Thangs

The other day, my best friend & I decided we were hungry so we decided to hit up our favorite Cuban spot, Papi's. It's located down in midtown off of Ponce De Leon & I fell in love w/ them again, lol. Everytime I go I make an effort to try something new off of the menu. This time I ordered the smoked pork, black beans and rice, tostones & salad.

Now I actually just started experimenting with pork since I didn't eat it growing up & theirs' was cooked perfectly! This is definitely a spot I would recommend if you want good, wholesome food at a reasonable price. They also have a full bar there as well :-)

CuteChick Recipe #3 - Black & Red Bean Chilli w/ Cornbread

Nothing like a hearty chilli to knock the chill off! It's been a bit nippy in the A recently so I figured a big, flavorful pot of chilli would be ideal. Chilli can definitely be a laborious dish depending on how it's prepared but I made this relatively quick w/ some kitchen staples that most of us normally have on hand. Now I prefer a spicier chilli, but since my daughter has to eat it, I didn't add any heat. For a more adult friendly chilli, I recommend adding some crush red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno. If you REALLY want to kick it up, throw in a scotch bonnet (habanero) pepper! Enjoy Cuties!



Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef (turkey works as well)
1 medium onion (chopped medium dice)
1 green bell pepper (chopped medium dice)
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1 15.5 oz can each of red beans & black beans (pinto works well as well)
1 14.5 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 14.5 oz can of chilli style diced tomatoes
6 oz can of tomato paste
1 14oz can of beef broth
1 packet of chipotle taco seasoning (or any taco seasoning)
seasonings (salt,pepper,garlic & onion powder, chilli powder, cumin powder)
Cornbread mix (prepare according to package instructions)


To begin, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil over medium/high heat in a large dutch oven pot & sautee onions & peppers for about 5-6 minutes. Once they've softened some, add the garlic & let cook for another 5 minutes. 

Add your ground meat and all seasonings. Cook until mostly browned w/ some pink still present. Add your tomato pasted and thoroughly distribute.

Once the tomato paste has been mixed into the meat, add both cans of tomatoes. Season again with salt & pepper and then add your beans. Make sure you rinse off the beans in cold water before adding them to the pot.

Cover pot & let cook down for about 10-15 minutes. Once it has reduced some, add your beef broth & the taco seasoning packet to the pot. Cover with lid & reduce heat to allow for a slow simmer.

This whole process should be completed in about 35-45 minutes.

While the chilli is simmering, take this time bake your cornbread....& then you're all done!!! enjoy!!!

I garnished mine w/ some crushed tortilla chips, pickled jalapeno slices, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream & cilantro. Yummyyy!!!!!!!

Restaurants & Thangs!

Sooo.....this monday afternoon I had an impromptu lunch w/ a few of my friends at one of my FAVE spots here in Atlanta, Pappadeaux. I've been to the location on Jimmy Carter Blvd. a few times but this was my 1st time dining at the Marietta restaurant & needless to say, I was not disappointed! Since I had already eaten, I didn't order an actual meal (can u believe it?!?) lol, I did finally try their oysters. I had half of them prepared the BBQ style & the other half pepared in the Baton Rouge style in which they baked them in a parmesan sauce. They were sooo good!!! If I had been hungrier I know for a fact that I would have at least ate 2 dozen! I also ordered the creme brulee` which they serve with fresh berries. It was divine!! It was just sweet enough but not too rich and it had a wonderful texture. I would definitely recommend it! Welp, that's all folks. Oh yeah, here are some pics as well!

And please don't be afraid to suggest new restaurants to try readers! Until next time!