COOKING WITH HARLEQUIN

Harlequin Books and Cooks Premieres on YouTube

Episode One: Brenda Jackson makes White Chicken Chili

Cooking with Harlequin is a new feature here at Okie Dreams, where we discuss each episode of Harlequin Books and Cooks on YouTube, hosted by Princess Elmore, and the recipe that week’s guest author made with the host. This week, Princess and bestselling romance author Brenda Jackson made White Chicken Chili, and since it is a dish I personally have never made, I thought I would have a go at it and then document my efforts for followers here.

Will it turn out? Will I like it? I don’t know, but we’re going to find out.

DEANNA’S THOUGHTS

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE

As someone who has never made white chicken chili before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this recipe. But after watching the video, I decided the heck with it and gave it a shot. I’m so glad I did! Not only does it smell heavenly while it’s cooking, but it tastes amazing, and it is fully customizable as far as how small to chop the vegetables and how much seasoning to put it in the pot. 

Speaking of pots, I used a stock pot with a lid to cook this as it makes a lot, and for a three person family, there will be a lot left. I made this for myself and my parents and there is still a ton left over. Which, if you’re like me and like my parents, who all love chili, is a very good thing.

First things first, gather all the ingredients listed in the recipe on Harlequin’s blog. As you can see above, it is quite a lot, though nothing in the recipe is too pricey. Depending on where you go, what brand of items you buy, and how much you already have in your cabinets, you can easily make this recipe for $20-$25. I spent about $28 because I didn’t have some of this on hand and the store I went to was out of some of the cheaper fresh vegetables like cilantro and parsley.

PREPARING VEGETABLES

Prior to chopping, I took the vegetables out of their packaging and rinsed them. Then I got out my cutting board and Chef knife and started chopping them. I kept everything in a separate bowl due to my need to take photos of everything, but you can easily chop them and put them all but the parsley in one bowl. They will all go in together at once anyway. And at this stage, you can chop them as small or as large as you like. I chose a little larger than I would normally like, but it didn’t make a difference to the taste of the chili at all. it really is personal preference.

Okay, fair amount of warning here…chopping a yellow onion, even using a half of a large onion like I did, will bring about a decent amount of tears and burning to the eyes. Somehow, I always forget that part, but yeah, that part was not so fun. 

ADDING IT ALL TOGETHER

After I finished chopping the vegetables, it was time to start cooking the chicken. After that was almost done, I added all the vegetables to the pot. I didn’t get a photo of the chicken cooking, but I did manage to get a photo after I stirred in all the vegetables. Doesn’t it look so pretty? All those tasty vegetables mixed in with the ground chicken? 

The smell is getting good at this point, just due to the chicken and the vegetables, but it’s about to get even better once you add in the chicken broth, seasonings, beans, and green chilis. Then the smell is absolutely incredible. 

When it comes to seasonings, aside from the packet the recipe calls for, the rest of it, I just eyeballed and sprinkled it around the edge of the pot. I did not measure anything, and it turned out fabulous on the first try. I didn’t have to add any additional seasoning at the end. I didn’t take a picture of this part, because it wasn’t really needed as mostly you are seeing the broth in the pot.

Once I brought the chili to a boil, I made sure everything was added in and left it to simmer, a little bit longer than it said because the bigger-sized veggies needed longer to cook. Then I started gathering my bowl, spoon, and saltine crackers, and the parsley I chopped and wanted to add for a garnish.

TIME TO EAT

Okay, you guys, I have to say that this chili was amazing. Not only did it smell divine, but it tasted heavenly. It has just enough spice for a kick, but not enough to overpower the dish. And bonus, my parents also loved it. Which was really the most important part since I wanted to cook if for them to try it with me.

All in all, a great afternoon spent in the kitchen. I definitely recommend the recipe, and I will sure be checking out more book and cooking videos from Harlequin–Thanks, Harlequin!

Big thumbs up for White Chicken Chili from Harlequin Books and Cooks!

Doesn’t that look amazing? I promise you, it smells even better!

And now that dinner’s done, it’s time for me to go read THE WIFE HE NEEDS by Brenda Jackson!

What do you think of this post?

Will you try this recipe yourself?

Let us know in the comment section below.

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