Double Chocolate Bourbon Balls

I was doing some planning at work yesterday, looking at the schedule and making some plans for the next couple of Wednesdays. Then I realized I couldn't plan a class for the next two Wednesdays because the second Wednesday would be Christmas! Two weeks until Christmas and these bourbon balls are the only holiday recipe I have made so far. I was thinking how fun it would be to make all kinds of cookies now that I have lots of co-workers again. The only problem is that I am now at work ALL THE TIME. I'm not complaining, the job has been great and the hours fly by. Most days it is 3-4 in the afternoon before I look at the clock for the first time.
If you are short on time and need something quick for the holiday season, these bourbon balls come together really quickly. There's no baking involved, although they are best when left to sit in the fridge for a day or two before serving. I substituted the traditional vanilla wafers with chocolate ones, so these bourbon balls are nearly black in color. Without the powdered sugar they do look like little lumps of coal, so they make a perfect gift for someone naughty (or nice)! Also be warned, since these bourbon balls are not cooked the alcohol content is pretty potent. This treat is not appropriate for children or lightweights (like me).

Spicy Three Bean Chili with Corn

With the exception of Thanksgiving, there hasn't been a whole lot of cooking going on around here lately. Although I did make some mean enchiladas with green mole from the leftovers that I hope to share eventually.
I made this chili at the end of October and I think this is a good week to share it. After all the indulgences of this past weekend, it's nice to have something a little healthy feeling. This chili is still hearty enough to keep away the winter chill. It's the perfect thing after a big long walk at 25 below zero. Even though this recipe can be put together quite quickly, I do recommend letting it simmer for as long as you have time. There are a lot of spices that need to incorporate into the chili and I liked it better the second day. It would be the perfect chili to make the night before and then slowly simmer on the stove to heat the next day. I would have loved to have a bowl of this waiting for me when we got back from our dog walk on Sunday. It was chilly out there, it always takes me a few tries with my layering system to get everything right. The problem is that I usually wear too many layers and then get hot and sweaty. When I get back home I end up chilled. Who knew it was possible to sweat at 25 below zero? I also find it hilarious that the colder it is outside, the more our goofy dogs like to roll around in the snow. I love seeing their happy tails wagging and their frosty faces as they bound through the deep snow. As fun and beautiful as it is outside, we are all happy to come inside for a nap by the wood stove followed by a good, hearty meal.