Cocoa-Coconut Chili + Chili Cook-Off

Last night was my first time participating in a Chili Cook-off!  I had no idea what type of Chili to bring but knew I wanted to incorporate a unique ingredient.... Coconut!

After some blog reading and recipe searches I found the perfect inspiration on Goodness and Goodies.

Cocoa- Coconut White Bean Chili!

Cocoa-Coconut Chili

Cocoa-Coconut White Bean Chili (with a few of my modifications, adapted from Goodness and Goodies)
My modifications included: MORE Cocoa and MORE Chili powder.

1-1.5 tbsp coconut oil
2 cups sweet onion, diced
1 1/2 cups celery, diced
3/4 cup red or yellow bell peppers, diced
4-6 medium cloves garlic
2 tbsp mild chili powder
2 TB sea salt
1-2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
5 TB Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 cans (28 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can (14 oz) small white beans (drained)
1 can (14 oz) pinto beans (drained)
1 can (14 oz) kidney beans (drained)
1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup frozen corn kernels
4-5 TB organic cane sugar

In a large pot on medium heat, add oil, onion, celery, peppers, garlic, salt & pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, and allspice, stir to combine. Cover and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally; reduce heat if onions start to burn. When onions start to soften, add cocoa and stir for 1-2 minutes, then add tomatoes, beans, coconut milk, and stir to combine. Increase heat to bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in corn kernels and cane sugar, and cook another 5 minutes to heat through. Remove cover and let liquid reduce if desired. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and/or chili powder.  Pour Coconut Flakes on top.

Me and my coconut goodness!

I seriously wanted to drink it with all the creamy cocoa and coconut milk!

AND..... It was Bryan-approved! :-)

In fact Bryan asked me to make a whole pot for just us sometime.  Wow! 

The winners will be announced next week.  Fingers crossed, I'll let you know how it goes!

Today's Workout:

5 mile run at 8min mile pace (yes, this is my morning trend these days haha)

I love getting my workout in first thing in the morning because I have the rest of the day to reap the benefits!  I also like having my evenings to spend with Bryan and friends without feeling guilty for missing out on exercise.  

Questions:

Have you had any unique dishes lately? 

Do you prefer morning or evening workouts?

Are you a coconut fan?