RAZORBACKS & CHILI

Saturdays at the shop are just for fun. There are various things scheduled, but the day always turns into a gathering of friends, family and of course, food! This week was no exception.

This time of year, Razorback fever is running high. Just in case you don’t live in Arkansas, the “Razorback” is mascot of the University of Arkansas and much revered. Fans take any opportunity to “call the hogs”. Many local citizens left Fort Smith early morning to make the trip up the hill to Fayetteville where the stadium can house 84,000 fans, which is just about equal to the total population of our town! The stadium has a huge Smartvision LED screen nick named the “Pig Screen”. When it was installed a few years ago it was said to be the largest in the entire country!

You can gather that Razorback fans are serious fans. I’m past the time in life that I want to join that crowd, but I prove my loyalty by sewing……a more comfortable medium. We carry licensed fabric for the University of Arkansas, Oklahoma University, and Oklahoma State University. Here are some samples of things we sew up for inspiration!

Last Saturday we had classes: in the morning on the big bag and the afternoon class was instructions on the Razorback strip quilt. I’ve made up patterns/instructions on both of these and will be happy to send you a link in exchange for your signing up for the newsletter and leaving a comment below….I’ll need your email.

Now for more fun: Chili and Cornbread Muffins between classes.

Saturday Chili......This is so easy

Use only the best lean ground chuck you can find, preferably from a local butcher, ours is named Paul!

1 pound ground chuck
2 chopped onions
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
28 oz can of water
13 oz can of fresh kernel corn
13 oz can black beans
13 oz can pinto beans

Empty it all into a large slow cooker and set on low to cook about 8 hours, through the night. In the morning I add the seasonings:

1 Tablespoon salt
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large bunch of fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped


Cornbread Muffins

Any of your favorite recipes work for corn muffins….even Jiffy! I use a basic recipe then add a can of creamed corn, a small can of chopped chilies (drained) and maybe some grated cheese if I have it. Works wonders!
During the months of January and February there will be Chili and Corn Muffins at the shop whether there’s a class or not. I wish you could join us!