Discovering Canned Chili, Perceptions & A Lazy-Day Chili Mac Recipe

 

Would you believe me if I told you that until six and a half years ago I had no clue canned chili existed? It's true. My mother never bought it and I'd never seen it. On one of those first romantic, shopping trips with my husband right after we got married he grabbed a couple cans to put in our cart.

I asked, "What in the world is that?" He told me and I said, "No. If you want chili, we'll just make some." I lost that battle; it really wasn't that big of a deal. And for the next six years I would roll my eyes, make puking sounds or just look away when he opened up this thing called "canned chili."

But then I started noticing what he actually did with that canned chili. He added it to his macaroni and cheese and deemed it chili mac. It was his quick meal and he loved this stuff. Six years later, I finally gave in. And it's good. It's quick and we always have these two ingredients on hand. You simply make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese as you normally would then stir in a can of Stagg Chili. Get it all nice and warm, and then enjoy a total comfort food.

Now, before I go further, hear me out. Before you think I'm either (a) food snot for resisting this stuff for so long or (b) you think the fact that I will eat this stuff is disgusting. Stop.

I'll be honest, as much as I love (and prefer) making 100% from-scratch food that is organic and local purchased. I don't. I can't always afford it and I don't always have time. I have to be realistic with myself and my family. So yes, we buy mac and cheese, ramen noodles, canned soup and frozen pizza. And guess what? We enjoy them. I call them our convenience foods.

I actually think this is a very interesting topic. Sometimes I think others perceive food bloggers and foodies for thinking they are 'above' certain foods or simple, quick-fix meals made at home. (Though I will say, I hate store-bought ranch in bottles and it takes a lot for me to use margarine.) But in reality we are honestly just hobbiests or professionals who genuinely love to cook, love to discover new ingredients and make food for those we love. All which are true. But I think sometimes as readers and friends we forget that food bloggers and foodies don't just eat what they post. They have lives outside their blog and yes, they sometimes use a {gasp} cake mix. I know for a fact I'm not making an amazing meal and dessert every night.

I think that's why I love this meal. Not only is it tasty, but it reminds me that sometimes it's more important to get to a party on time, not photograph every meal and to just live life. Do you have lazy day, convenient meals? What are your thoughts on this topic?

Easy Chili Mac Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (make sure you have all the other ingredients it needs.)

1 can Stagg Chili

Directions:

Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese according to package directions. We usually just make it as is, sometimes we leave out the butter. Then stir in Stagg Chili til combine. Heat all the way through till it's nice and warm. Eat and enjoy.

*These are my own opinions and own experiences. There really might be foodies and food bloggers who really don’t buy convenient foods. More power to you!