Chili in a Flash

It's been one of those put-me-through-the-wringer times since my husband was in a serious car accident this past week. After pulling an all-nighter to drive home from Cincinnati and spending hours in surgery waiting rooms, I'm glad to say that all went well and he's now home recovering and healing. I'm going to be spending more time at home for awhile, helping with home-nursing duties and filling in all the little (and big) things that he can't do right now.

So, why chili in the middle of summer? Well, I had plans to do some taste-testing of Cincinnati's specialty -- you know, to get the scoop on the Goldstar and Skyline rivalry. However, even though my chili plans were cut short due to the accident, yesterday daughter mentioned she was hungry for chili and mac-n-cheese. Thank goodness for kids' suggestions: arriving home hungry and tired after errands I checked our cupboard and discovered we had a can of chili beans and stewed tomatoes and a pound of beef in the freezer. Perfect. After putting on water to boil for the macaroni, it was only 10 minutes to the chili. Now, I know this version isn't even close to what Cincinnati dishes up -- that's A-OK. This Chili in a Flash is a chili version that I grew up on here in Lancaster County. Only difference is that it doesn't have to simmer for an hour to taste great.

It's a good thing that I enjoy cooking and baking since we're going to be staying closer to home base for awhile -- a broken collarbone and scores of bruises and lacerations has laid my Fix-It Guy down low for awhile. Stay tuned for my make-do summer finds (that's quick and easy eats) as we spend the rest of the summer healing and finding creative ways to get it all done. Have any suggestions for other quick and easy meal ideas? I'd love some more ideas -- please comment below!