Winter Rain Comfort Food

It is raining right now, clearly audible drops as the rain hits the skylight.  The cats looked puzzled, but as we weren't reacting, they settled back into their preferred morning nap spots and resumed sleeping. 

Rain out here is something of a mixed blessing.  Yes, we need the drought-quenching rain.  No, we don't need drivers who got their licenses at 16, are now 21 and have never driven in the rain.    "Wet stuff on the road makes you skid?  Huh, what's a skid?"  In the lamentable habit of running red lights, they are due for some unpleasant surprises, if not hospital time. 

Therefore, all things in consideration, you are safer, if not more content, in your own house.  This is the time to surround yourself with interesting books or old DVDs  or whatever you haven't gotten around  to with Netflix or library freebies for Mid-Afternoon Movies. 

Most of us seem to have some 500 channels to pick from - go a'roving. 

Whichever  you choose, food is an important factor in unadulterated, sensual pleasure.  Nuke the popcorn and give it an additional swoosh/dump of butter.  Chop red onions, throw them into sour cream and dip away or make your own hummas  and cut up some carrots, green pepper, cauliflower chunks and have a healthy dip at your disposal.  My own personal feeling that comfort food was never meant to be healthy shouldn't rule your passions.  Comfort means just that.

Toward that end, Richie is making chili for dinner tonight.  We got guacamole and fresh salsa from the International Market yesterday (and we've both been into the guac and it wasn't even raining yet.)

RICHIE'S CHILI
1 lb. hamburger
3 T New Mexico powder
3 T cumin/cominos
2 serrano chilis, diced - He's trying jalapenos this time
1 14 oz can tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 7 oz. can diced green chilis

Brown meat, drain, add all the other ingredients and let simmer. 

Let it rain, let it rain.