JUNE 11, 2025
TRY THIS MIGHTY FINE FAMILY CHILI BY DONNA ERICKSON
SIMPLE SUMMER SNACK FAMILY FEATURES
I am always looking for a way to showJust as a tasty bowl of chili is a mixture of flavors and ingredients, the origins of “chili” are a blend of
SWEET, EASY RECIPES TO SOLVE WARM-WEATHER HUNGER
influences from cultures across the Atlantic, south of the border, and in our own country -- primarily Texas. Throughout the years, pride in stirring up the best
From lazy days by the pool to weekend road trips and everything in between, summer is packed with adventures. To keep your energy high for all those warm-weather activities, you’ll need to keep sweet, delicious snacks on the family menu. Make sure versatile, flavorful watermelon is always on your grocery list so you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, drinks and beyond. It easily fits your existing routines for morning smoothies and snacking on the go, or in makeahead dishes you can serve when hunger strikes.
Watermelon Ice Pops
to coast, with entrants vying for the title of tastiest bowl of chili. Although I’ve never entered a contest, I’ve certainly enjoyed being a taste tester, including at “Frontier Days,” an outdoor event I attended in the
Cutting watermelon into convenient chunks is fast and easy so you can eat at home or toss in a to-go container to take to the office, beach or soccer practice. Just cut a grid pattern on the fruit and cubes will tumble out, ready to eat. Don’t forget to wash and dry the rind on the watermelon before cutting. 1.
It’s easy to cool off quickly on hot summer days with Watermelon Ice Pops, a simple, kid-friendly favorite made with watermelon and chunks of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavor, these frozen treats make snack time a cinch while tackling cravings, boosting hydration and supporting wellness in place of added-sugar treats.
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For a light afternoon bite before the dinner bell rings, try this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint that offers sweet summer flavor without the hassle. Pairing long-time favorites in feta cheese and mint, it’s a classic for a reason with delicious watermelon adding nutritional content. Of course, as a kitchen staple to keep on hand throughout the year, watermelon is also perfect for enjoying all on its own at home or on the go. Whether it’s diced, sliced, balled or blended, you can toss it in a jar for a healthy, hydrating snack.
recipe has led to community chili cook-offs from coast
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mountains of Northern California. The winner was a family recipe cooked up by Alyssa and David West using lean ground turkey and sausage, then topped with crisp chopped celery and diced ripe avocado, rather than scallions and sour cream. The turkey adds a different take on beef or
Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board 1
watermelon
“true” chili, don’t let this get in the way of your
Drop in chunks of fresh fruit, Place the knife about 3/4 inch down from the insert caps and place in freezer. peak of the wedge. Serve when frozen. Holding the knife Watermelon Salad with parallel to the far side of Feta and Mint the fruit and starting at Recipe courtesy of National the edge of the rind, cut Watermelon Promotion Board a horizontal line across 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette the fruit all the way 4 cups cubed watermelon down to the rind.
Starting at the end of the rind, make vertical cuts straight down the rind, 3/4 inch apart all the way across. Remove the cubes and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To find more ways to serve watermelon this summer and all year long, visit Watermelon.org.
For a prep shortcut, they used Bear Creek Darn for strong opinions about the right ingredients for a
Puree watermelon and pour into ice pop molds.
Place the knife blade about 3/4 inch lower and make the same cut. Repeat. Turn the fruit to the other side and make the same horizontal cuts.
nice balance to the spice. Good Chili Soup Mix. While chili chefs are known
chunks of fresh fruit (such as grapes, strawberries or kiwi)
Cut the whole watermelon lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its rind with the interior facing up.
bean chili, and the creamy green of the avocados is a
creativity as you make a batch for friends and family. If you think you have a winner, you might bring your creation to a potluck or enter it in a chili cook-off in your community! MIGHTY FINE FAMILY CHILI Serves 8 1 package Bear Creek Darn Good Chili (available in grocery stores) 7 cups water 1 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half moons
1 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 8.3-ounce can Bush’s Baked Beans
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 pound ground sausage, browned and drained
2
Salt and pepper to taste
1 15.5-ounce can small white beans, drained 1/2 pound ground turkey, browned and drained
tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped
Drizzle vinaigrette in bottom of large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta and mint. Cover tightly with lid and shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Substitution: Use Greek dressing in place of lemon vinaigrette.
Loosely chopped celery for topping Diced avocado for topping Bring water to boil, then add in dry mix and tomato paste. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add in remaining chili ingredients. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Keep hot until serving. Ladle chili into bowls. Top with celery and avocado. Serve with corn muffins, if desired. *** Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com. (c) 2025 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.
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