SUPER BOWL SUNDAY (THIS TIME LAST YEAR) ~ WHITE CHILI / BRATS STEAMED IN BEER / WHITE CHOCOLATE & MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES

WHITE CHILI

6 plump boneless chicken breast halves

(poached gently about 15 minutes in chicken stock)

2 pounds navy bean (or Great Northern) ~

sorted, rinsed and soaked overnight

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 large chopped onions

6 cloves chopped garlic

4 chopped celery ribs (including leaves)

1 chopped green bell pepper

3 (4.5 ounce) cans green chiles

4 quarts organic chicken broth

4 Tbsp. cumin

3 Tbsp. oregano

3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

fresh ground black pepper & salt to taste

juice of 3 fresh limes

Topping: shredded Colby-Jack, sour cream, salsa and chopped cilantro

Saute onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic in olive oil about 10 minutes. Stir in chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and cracked pepper and saute 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to boil. Drain and rinse beans. Add to stock and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours. Add cilantro and lime juice and adjust seasonings. Add chopped or shredded chicken breast.

Serve topped with lots of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a stream of salsa and chopped cilantro. (Pass favorite tortilla chips)

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BRATS STEAMED IN BEER

In large stockpot, bring beer to slight rolling boil. Plunk in favorite sausages or dogs (beer does not have to cover). Cover pot, lower heat and steam until heated through, constantly turning. Place buns in a wet paper bag. Steam in 325 degree oven until soft.

Serve with favorite condiments like hot sauerkraut and an assortment of hearty mustard or chopped assorted colored peppers, chopped tomatoes, onions and plenty of sliced pickles.

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WHITE CHOCOLATE & MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES

(the Ho-Hum Housewife's favorite cookie)

2 cups unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3 tsp. vanilla

4 extra-large organic eggs

4 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 pounds good quality white chocolate

1/2 pound coarsely chopped macadamia nuts

Cream butter, sugar and brown sugar in large bowl. Add vanilla and beat until fluffy. Add eggs, beating until incorporated. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Break or cut chocolate into small chunks. Add to dough with macadamia nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned.

(about 5-6 dozen)