amazing caramel apples

i'm obsessed with caramel apples...obsessed.  and since i got some really beautiful granny smith apples via farm fresh to you, i decided to make some yummy caramel apples!  this recipe is soooooooo easy to make...and the apples are fun to decorate for halloween or to share with friends and family during the holidays.  please enjoy!

ingredients:

- 4 apples (i like to use granny smith apples)

- 14 ounce bag of caramel, unwrapped

- 2 tablespoons vanilla ice cream (or 2 tablespoons of milk)

- 4 wooden sticks (i like to use chopsticks hahaha!)

- toppings...chocolate shavings, pecans, almonds, tj's sugar chocolate coffee bean grinder (which i LOVE!)

directions:

- in a large bowl, microwave the unwrapped caramel pieces and vanilla ice cream for 2 minutes

- meanwhile, either butter a baking sheet or dust it with a coat of sugar 

- remove the stems from the apples and push the wooden sticks through the top until secure

- once the caramel is melted, mix carefully

- coat one apple at a time with generous amounts of caramel; set on prepared baking sheet

- add toppings by either rolling or patting down...enjoy!

xoxo,

kara

rob's amazing chili

i was never a big fan of chili (maybe because i don't really like beans) until i tried rob's chili!  just typing out this recipe makes my mouth water!  rob based his recipe on guy fieri's chili recipe, but used less beans and added key ingredients like green onion :)  this recipe is perfect for football season!  GO TROJANS FIGHT ON!!!!

ingredients:

- 3 tablespoons butter

- 3 tablespoons canola oil

- 2 red bell peppers, diced 

- 2 jalapenos, minced

- 3 Anaheim chiles, roasted, peeled, chopped

- 3 poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, chopped

- 2 yellow onions, diced

- 1 entire garlic, minced

- 1 pound boneless chuck, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

- 2 pounds ground beef, coarse grind

- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings

- 4 teaspoons granulated garlic

- 3 tablespoons chili powder

- 2 teaspoons paprika

- 2 teaspoons ground cumin

- 2 teaspoons ground coriander

- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

- 2 cups tomato sauce

- 1 cup tomato paste

- 12 ounces lager beer

- 1 cup low sodium chicken stock

- 2 15.5-ounce can pinto beans, with juice

- 1 15.5-ounce cans kidney beans, with juice

- 2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced

- 1 cup shredded cheese

- dallops of sour cream for garnish

directions:

- in a large stock pot, add butter and oil over high heat

- add bell peppers, chiles, onion and garlic and cook for 5 to 6 minutes

- add cubes of beef and brown; then add ground beef and sausage and brown for about 8 minutes

- add granulated garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, s&p 

- as you stir the ingredients for a couple minutes, make sure you get the good stuff on the bottom of the pot for extra flavor

- add tomato sauce and paste and stir for another couple minutes

- slowly add in beer, chicken stock, and beans, gently stir again, lower heat and simmer for about 2 hours

- serve hot with green onions, cheese and sour cream on top!  enjoy and fight on!

xoxo,

kara