Lifestyle

Cozy Meal by the Fire

Weeknight Chili and Cornbread

When the kids were younger and trick o' treating was a BIG deal, we would invite friends and family over for a big batch of chili and cornbread before heading out for the sugar-palooza hunt! It was the perfect way to warm everyone up before walking in the chilly fall night ... and to get the kids to eat something healthy. It has since become a family tradition, so we thought we'd share!

Even though the kids are past the trick o’ treating days, we still love making a pot of chili. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, and makes great leftovers when you need a quick and hearty lunch. This recipe is courtesy of Tieghan over @halfbakedharvest. We love many of her dishes, and this one does not disappoint! It’s so easy, and a timesaver since you can make it in the slow cooker, which is our go-to appliance in the fall. Derrick puts it all in the cooker, and when we get home at dinnertime, it’s ready to eat!

We recently tried her Sweet Honey Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Biscuits, and they are amazing as well. The buttery flavor and flaky biscuits are super delicious with a big bowl of chili. Derrick puts out different toppings so everyone can help themselves and top the chili with their favorite combo. My personal fave is cilantro, avocado and a big dollop of sour cream. Let us know if you try these recipes this fall!

 

Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

1 TABLESPOON EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

2 SMALL YELLOW ONIONS, CHOPPED

4 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED OR GRATED

2 POUNDS GROUND TURKEY OR CHICKEN

2 RED PEPPERS, SEEDED AND CHOPPED

2 CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO, FINELY CHOPPED

2 TABLESPOONS CHILI POWDER

1 TABLESPOON SMOKED PAPRIKA

2 TEASPOONS GROUND CUMIN

1 TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON

1 1/2 TEASPOONS SALT

2-3 CUPS LOW SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH

1 CAN (28 OZ) CRUSHED TOMATOES

1/4 CUP TOMATO PASTE

1 TABLESPOON APPLE BUTTER

2 BAY LEAVES

1 CAN (14 OZ) WHITE BEANS, DRAINED

CHEDDAR CHEESE, AVOCADO, GREEN ONIONS, SOUR CREAM AND CILANTRO FOR SERVING

Click on the link here for instructions. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

 

Sweet Honey Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Biscuits

1 1/2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

1 1/2 CUPS CORNMEAL

5 TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER

1/2 TEASPOON BAKING SODA

1/2 TEASPOON SALT

1/2 TEASPOON PEPPER

1 1/2 STICKS COLD UNSALTED BUTTER CUT INTO SMALL CUBES

1 EGG LIGHTLY BEATEN

3/4 CUP BUTTERMILK

1/4 CUP HONEY

3/4 CUP SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE, CUBED

2 JALAPEÑOS, DESEEDED AND DICED

 

Click on the link here for instructions. Enjoy!

 

 

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There’s something so special about finally getting to share a project that’s been years in the making. We we started designing #OhHeyHighlands, we knew this home was going to be something unique—a space built for hosting, gathering, and living well. And now, seeing it come to life feels like flipping the last page of a book we’ve poured our hearts into.
This project is everything we love about design: thoughtful details, natural materials, and a focus on how the space actually feels for the people living there. It’s designed to celebrate their lifestyle, their traditions, their people. That’s the magic of a good home-it’s not just beautiful to look at; it’s beautiful to live in.
Sharing this feels like a little love letter to what we do. It’s why we started Clouz Houz-to create spaces that don’t just work but feel like home. I hope this tour inspires you, whether you’re planning your dream home, refreshing a single room, or just soaking in the details.
So, what do you think? Are you as in love with ‘Oh Hey Highlands’ as we are? Let us know your favorite part-because, trust me, I can’t pick just one.
A hint at what’s to come at our #OhHeyHighlands project.
Stay tuned for the full reveal dropping this Wednesday, December 11th!
This little project started as a “how can we make this work” moment and ended up being one of my favorite parts of our bedroom. Isn’t it funny how sometimes the solutions you create out of necessity end up feeling the most rewarding?
Our actual closet is... let’s just say, less than spacious. We needed more storage. So, we flanked the bedroom doors with these Ikea cabinets and went to work turning them into something that felt purposeful. A little trimming, a splash of paint, and suddenly it’s like they were always meant to be here. It’s the kind of project that reminds me why I love what I do—design isn’t about how much space vou have; it’s about how you use it.
And can we talk about those pleated drapery panels we had made with one of my favorite patterns from @kettlewellcollection. They’re such a small detail, but to me, they are what makes it all feel special. The @rejuvenation hardware was just the cherry on top. I always say, “Invest where it counts,” and let me tell you, good hardware counts.
This whole process has me thinking about how design is really just problem-solving with style. It’s about asking, “What do I actually need?” and then finding a way to make it beautiful. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to work for you.
Telling your home’s story is our specialty. We listen intently to our clients about their dreams and wishes with their new homes. And what we have learned through the years is priceless. Good design isn’t just how it looks, but how it makes those that live there feel. And while one client may desire the flashy home suited for hosting corporate gatherings, while another desires a cozy family home that is perfectly suitable for their immediate family’s needs. Whatever their desires may be, our job is taking those functionality requirements and turning it into something beautiful and 100% authentic to them.
Clouz Houz was born with the desire to bring our knowledge and hands on experience with our own homes and investment projects to help others realize the power of creating spaces that are uniquely them. We’re not just designing spaces—we’re helping you tell your story. A story that’s meant to be lived in, not just looked at. A story that’s messy, full of love, and always evolving. Just like life itself.