Christmas Chili Bar

The hustle and bustle of holiday season is not for me.  I don’t attend a lot of parties, bake cookies or do much decking of the halls.

But, a simple comfort meal homemade with love?  And sharing the meal with our neighbors?  Yes, please. 

Beef and bean chili in the slow cooker, homemade cornbread muffins and a slew of toppings is a fun meal that can be made hours ahead with no worries about everything getting done at the same time.

This is the Christmas twist on a chili bar and what I did.

Slow Cooker Chili

The Calphalon slow cooker is still the best appliance we own.  I pulled out all the ingredients and assembled everything in the morning and let it go.

I was looking at the posts I’ve done on crockpot chili and noticed that the recipe has never been properly typed up.  I promise to post that soon in case you need an easy and yummy beef and bean chili recipe.

Appetizers

None of our group are very big eaters, but I’m always up for a good variety. 

A simple plate of veggies and dip and chips, salsa and store-bought guacamole are the appetizer offerings. 

Toppings

Toppings might be the best thing about a bowl of chili.  And everyone gets to choose what they like best.

 For this evening I have:

• Shredded cheddar
• Sour cream
• Seeded and diced jalapeno (from my garden!)
• Green onion

Homemade Cornbread Muffins

Sally’s Baking Addiction has the best cornbread recipe.  I don’t make cornbread too often, but her muffin recipe is what I used.  I almost always modify a recipe, so in full disclosure, I did not add any of the brown sugar.  I did add one cup of canned corn and ½ seed, diced jalapeno. 

That’s it.  So easy and so good.  The muffin basket may or may not be missing a muffin or two by the time our guests arrive.

Dessert

Okay, the muffins are bad enough.  I’m not making a dessert to torture myself with.  One of my very dearest friends delivered a tin of homemade cookies and biscotti so all those lovelies are displayed on the cake dish.

I’m going to try to keep my fingers out of there.

Christmas Dishes

The most fun setting up the chili bar was getting out Christmas serving pieces and dishes. This little touch is what turned the normal chili bar into a Christmas chili bar. Simple and festive all at the same time.

Wrap Up

Well, friends, Christmas Eve is upon us.  No matter if or how you and your family celebrate, I am praying God’s grace and peace over you.

Have a wonderful week ahead and I’ll see you Saturday!