Farmhouse Kitchen, January 2022
I’ve been a fan of the recipe section of Neighbors magazine for years, looking most forward to the monthly recipe column. I treasure the opportunity to build community with wonderful home cooks from around the state by bringing their recipes into my own kitchen.
With that in mind, I’m so excited to share that, beginning with this issue, I’ll be sharing one recipe each month from a cook who was featured in a past issue of Neighbors. This month’s recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and it’s easy on the cook, too! Nora Kelley raised her kids on the family farm in Coosa County — so you know when she shares a recipe, it’s going to be hearty and delicious. This month, I’m sharing her Quick Chili recipe, which was featured in the August 1998 issue.
As we continue with the cooler months, I’m continuing with more pots of comfort! My Collard Green Soup with Ham and Beans has all the slow-cooked flavor of Grandma’s kitchen but can be ready in less than 30 minutes with the help of a few key ingredients.
Last but not least is the recipe perfect for cozy days, quick weeknight suppers and those times when a loved one needs a little extra TLC — Quick and Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup. Now I have to tell you, I’m normally not a fan of chicken soups that haven’t simmered all day to develop that rich, full-bodied flavor, so you know my recipe has a few tricks included to make sure none of that richness is sacrificed in this shortcut.
In these hectic times we live in, I firmly believe one of the most important parts of our day comes at the end when we step back from the world and take the time to sit down and share a meal with our loved ones. These moments around the dinner table strengthen the relationships that guide us through life and fill our hearts with abiding joy in the years to come. You know, over time, each family tends to develop their own language with one another. In my house, another way to say “I love you” is, “Come on, y’all. Supper’s ready.”