Chiliween

I am my mother. This one I didn't really see coming, though, because mostly I am not my mother in the kitchen. 

Two years ago, on our first Halloween with a child, I decided to make chili for dinner. It's yummy, easy to make, and can sit on the stove until you're ready to eat. Oh, and it goes so well with cornbread -- I love cornbread! Last year I did it again and proclaimed it a tradition. When I told my mom about it, she said, "Well, I always made chili for dinner on Halloween! Don't you remember?" I guess I must.

I never really liked Halloween (except for the candy, of course) but I must have really liked that chili. Things have changed a bit since my mom's version. I'm mostly a vegetarian, so I make a meat-free version. And I don't use the packets of McCormick spice mix my mom used. (I bet she has one in her pantry, though!) Other than that, I guess it's the natural progression of a family tradition, one maybe a daughter (or two) of mine will continue later in life. After all, it is a yummy, healthful, protein-packed, vegan meal to help offset that sugar rush!