All Hallows Eve

October Moon

When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen

the moon laughs and whispers.

tis' near Halloween.

Chili Tortellini, a classic dish with a twist.  Pair the meal with your favorite cornbread. 

Cook's notes: Warm up on a chilly autumn evening with a steaming bowl of Chili Tortellini. It's packed with flavor and protein, with some unusual ingredients that give it a twist. Cinnamon, coffee, and unsweetened cocoa powder elevate this chili recipe to a whole new level.
Cinnamon adds a different spice profile than chili powder or red or cayenne pepper would. It also cuts the acid in tomatoes when using 1/4 tsp for a batch of sauce or chili. A bit of cocoa powder and coffee adds a real depth to the flavor. The unsweetened cocoa powder in chili helps to balance the heat with a little bit of sweetness. It also gives chili a deep and reddish brown color. Cheese tortellini adds a new texture not usually found in a classic chili recipe. Use more chicken broth if needed to thin out the sauce on the second day.
The recipe is an Ever Ready Special and serves 6.
Ingredients:

• 1/2 pkg. of 1 lb. frozen cheese tortellini (no need to thaw before using)
• 1 TB. olive oil
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cups diced celery
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lb. hamburger or Italian sausage 
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cans (each 14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, onion
• 1 small can of tomato sauce
• 16 oz. chicken broth- low sodium
• 2 cans (each 15 oz.) red kidney beans, light and dark
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon and unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or espresso granules mixed with 1/2 cup of water

Directions:
In a large frying pan or soup pot, heat oil and saute onion, celery, and garlic 3-5 minutes.
Add in hamburger or sausage, salt, pepper, and brown the meat. Drain the meat and wipe the pan clean, free of grease. Return the browned hamburger to the pot or frying pan. Crumble and add the remaining ingredients. Simmer uncovered on low for 30 minutes. Add in frozen cheese tortellini and cook 8 minutes longer.