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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At Clouz Houz, we strive to provide our clients with the best of the best- while listening to their needs, budget, and vision. Curating a selection of high-quality and simple materials that offer an elevated and beautiful look. We’re all about the classic details and how we can blend them together beautifully.
September is for movie nights with popcorn, snuggling up in a chunky knit with a good book, and fully embracing Western style- at least, that’s my vibe right now! I’m holding onto that laid-back summer mood while also leaning into cozier days as the leaves begin to change (my absolute favorite part of the season).

I’ve rounded up our favorites this month, and I have to say it may be on of my favorite edits to date! I’m 😍 with the cardigan from @thisisthegreat_ . Yeehaw! Now who’s ready for some chili and cornbread? I digress...😂
What. A. Summer. As I scrolled through my camera roll, I found myself smiling through happy tears, just feeling so grateful for this life we’ve built. I’m not saying this to boast or brag, but because it’s been a wild ride. From moving into a new community, starting new careers, running a business, and renovating a house—all while raising a family. Let’s just say, it hasn’t been a walk in the park!

We moved into #highdeserttumaloranch in June, and while we’ve spent the last couple of months unpacking and finishing up projects, we also realized we needed a break. Sometimes, you just have to ditch the to-do list and focus on doing nothing for a change, am I right?

We managed to sneak in some fun with the kids and took a few local getaways—exactly what we needed to escape the chaos for a bit. If you’ve ever lived through a home renovation, you totally get it!

But honestly, the true magic of this summer has been finding joy in the little things. Even amidst the craziness, our home has become our own little slice of heaven. We’ve been soaking in the simple pleasures—turning on some tunes, cooking up delicious meals, sitting under the stars, playing cards, planting in our yard, watching movies, and just… relaxing.

I’ll admit, we’ve had beautiful homes before, but we’ve never lived in them like we do now. Since moving to Bend, we’ve learned to live differently—embracing the natural surroundings, slowing down, and appreciating the simpler things. These lifestyle changes have led us to discover what truly matters to us, and now, we’re sharing that evolution with you.

As I’ve always said, I strive to keep it real here—sometimes things are raw and emotional. But today, I’m overflowing with happiness, gratitude, and pure LOVE. Love for this new way of living and for the life we’re creating.

Happy end of summer, friends! Here’s to a new season full of exciting plans. We’ve got so much more to share, and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride. 💫🙏

Life is short. Make it beautiful.
I’m so excited to share this cozy corner with you all!
We’ve transformed two of the original bedrooms at Tumalo Ranch into these cocoon-like bed nooks, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. It’s the perfect solution for fitting queen beds into these tiny rooms-honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The pale green color we chose for this nook makes it feel incredibly inviting, and I adore how it glows in the morning light.

We strategically placed the TV on the wall where it’s hidden from the doorway and added a bookshelf on the opposite side for both decor and practicality (since you don’t have a nightstand with this setup).

The kids have tested them out and approve! Even our Golden Retriever, Lucy endorses this decision.... She sunbathes here every day, keeping an eye out for chipmunks and deer from the window LOL).