Moving and Savory Turkey Chili

After a year and some change in Brooklyn, Mario and I finally moved in to our very own apartment. No, that doesn't mean we bought it, and yes, the first time someone responded to that with "oh my gosh, you bought a place!?", I literally did. not. understand. A very confused "what...?" was followed by turning around to see if anyone else was in the hallway, because she must have been talking to someone else. Even though it's 7:00 o'clock in the morning and we are the only people in this school building, girl, you are obviously not addressing that statement to me. By the way, do people actually do that? Buy apartments here? Is that a thing?

No, we just moved into a new place without roommates. Just the husband and me. But thank you for thinking that I have my shit together enough to buy an apartment in New York City! I'll take that and run with it all day!

Now don't get me wrong, I loved where we lived last year. A friend that I worked with in the DR had a friend in Brooklyn who was looking for a roommate, and luckily two of them didn't scare her off. Mario was here, and then because of immigration reasons he wasn't, and through everything, my roommate and I became good friends.

The husband and I sold everything from our place in the DR when we left, and I mean everything. I moved here with a backpack and a small suitcase, which were both the size of carry-ons. Leaving the DR meant leaving everything behind, and we were fo real starting over. Jobs? I mean, kind of, for one of us. I don't know. Not really. A place to live? No. Friends? A couple (thank goodness!). Any idea about what living in New York was going to be like after living in the Caribbean? Oh hell no! So, let's just say that it took a wee bit longer than planned to "adjust." And the apartment and my roommate were just what I needed. A bed to sleep in, a kitchen to cook in, and a friend to talk to when I got home. It was good.

But, Mario came back to Brooklyn in August, and it was time to find a place of our own. We found a 1 bedroom apartment that we knew immediately was going to be ours. Last night I said that our apartment feels like our apartment in the DR. It terms of how the apartment is laid out - it's totally different.

But the way I feel when I open the door is the same. Home.

Savory Turkey Chili

(Adapted from NYT. Thanks boo!)

The husband and I can't stop eating this chili. I'm telling you, I've made 3-4 huge pots of it in the last 2 weeks. As the weather cools and everything becomes all fall-like, chili is exactly what I want. I grew up eating so much of it in North Carolina: Mom's white bean chili, canned Hormel chili (shamefully my fave!), Mom's other tomato-based chili (You know, just like normal, delicious "Mom chili"),  chicken chili...the list goes on. The point is that I love chili. I love it. And I love this recipe! 

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey meat
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 large red pepper, chopped
1 bottle of Goya's Pico de Gallo (Mild, Medium, or Hot based on your preference, but I like mine spicy!)
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chili power
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 can diced tomatoes with jalapeños
1/2 jar chunky salsa (heat to your preference)
2 cups turkey broth
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
salt and peppa

lactose-free Cabot cheese (I like the pepper jack.)
lime wedges
corn chips


First, heat the oil over medium heat and add the garlic. Let the garlic sauté for about a minute, and then add the turkey meat. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, until lightly browned, and make sure to break up any big chunks.

Then, stir in the red pepper, pico de gallo, oregano, bay leaf, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes.

Next, add in the tomatoes, salsa, and turkey broth. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the beans and corn, and cook for 10 minutes longer, making sure to stir. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Finally, serve in bowls with Cabot's lactose-free cheese, lime wedges, and corn chips!

Serves about 6 bowls of chili.



a buen tiempo!