"Man Cannot Live By Bread Alone..."

"He Must Also Have Peanut Butter." ~President James A. Garfield

This very well may have been the first government proclamation of the importance of a balanced diet!

While I posted this in honor of Presidents' Day...you might find it interesting to know that this holiday is officially Washington's Birthday...which actually falls on February 22...the celebration of which was moved to the third Monday in 1968. The holiday name change was never authorized by Congress...yet "popular usage" by the people has made it so. I wonder what else we could "make so"...?!?

I suppose if I were actually preparing a Birthday dinner for George Washington, I would have chosen a menu more befitting of a President...but in light of the current economy...Green Chili Stew it is... :)

Green Chili Stew
Serves 8

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, sliced 1/2" thick
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
6 cups organic chicken stock
1 lb red potatoes, 1/2" cubed
2 small carrots, sliced
2 tsp fine sea salt
2 cups mild roasted, diced green chilies (see note)
3 Tbsp red bell pepper, small dice
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Brown the tenderloin in batches & set aside. Reduce to a medium heat. Saute the onion & garlic in the remaining oil until the onions are golden. Add the meat back to the pot along with any juices. Add the chicken stock, potatoes, carrots, & salt and bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat & simmer for one hour.

Break up the pork tenderloin if needed. Add the green chilies & red bell pepper. Simmer for additional 20 minutes. Stir in the cilantro. Serve with blue corn tortilla chips & Enjoy!

Note: Use canned or fresh chilies depending on availability. If you like your stew with a little more heat, you can use 1 cup mild & 1 cup hot green chilies. I found that using all mild chilies still had plenty of kick & my kids were able to enjoy it...adjust according to your family preferences.

So, Happy Birthday Mr. President...with a cherry on top!

Cheers,

Cenee'