A Much Needed Break & the Most Awesome Chili EVER

Well, it's the week of Thanksgiving.  First of all, I am thankful to finally have some time off.  For two weeks straight, I worked over 50 hours a week, 13 days without a break.  I need some time to relax and I am hoping for that this week.  My sister is here with her two youngest kids, so I probably won't get to rest entirely, but a break from the office is definitely welcomed. 

While I'm not at my "job,"  I am working on a few projects.  The Barefoot Belle is hard at work creating Christmas cards, recipe cards and invitations for people.  I am thankful that people are trusting me with some of the big moments in their lives.  I am also working on a few Christmas presents for our family (more to come later).  Let's just say Jarrett's awesome calendar last year was a big hit and someone will get a repeat.

I missed Foodie Friday...again.  But I have been dying to share a recipe and now it's cold enough to do so.  It has a story behind it, so here goes - when I worked in Alabama, I was placed with the meanest man in the office.  Apparently, before me, no student could get along with him.  He was mean, but I stuck it out and gave it back to him everytime.  My first semester, he made me clean out his entire office, which hadn't been done in years!  And everyday, I'd go in with a smile, tell him he should be nice, and would talk his ear off.  Well, turns out, I love him!  And he loves me!  We got really close and everyone else was amazed by our relationship.  When I graduated, he gave me a crock pot and his famous chili recipe.  I was sworn to secrecy until recent, but I've been given permission to share.  I know some of the things sound weird, but try it.  It really is the best chili ever!

Roots' Chili

INGREDIENTS
2 lbs. Ground Turkey (or beef)
1 chopped onion
2 packages Rach Dressing mix
2 packages Taco Seasoning
2 big cans Stewed Tomatoes
2 cans White Corn
2-3 c. Water
16 oz can Black Beans (don’t drain)
16 oz can Pinto Beans (don’t drain)
16 oz can Mexican Chili Beans (don’t drain)

DIRECTIONS
Brown meat and onions

Dump everything into a crockpot and simmer for a few hours.  ENJOY!