Easy Recipe from Disney Junior: Handy Manny’s Chili Con Carne

This past Valentine’s Day, Disney launched their new multiplatform brand devoted to children ages 2-7 and their families called Disney Junior. Formerly known as Disney Playhouse, Disney Junior incorporates fun, learning, and developmental themes in classic Disney style.  Among the new series are “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” an animated adventure combining new and classic Disney characters Captain Hook and Smee (“Peter Pan”); a series of Disney Poetry Shorts which showcases poems for children set against classic Disney animation; two short form series, “Mickey Mousekersize” and “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps,” to encourage healthy lifestyles for preschoolers and families; “Babar and the Adventures of Badou,” an updated version of the classic “Babar,” that introduces King Babar’s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville; and “Tinga Tinga Tales,” a vibrant animated adventure inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania. Playhouse Disney hits “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso” and “Imagination Movers,” among others, will be part of Disney Junior.

The Disney Junior website is fully interactive with games, full episodes of the shows, crafts, and activities for the family.  The “For Grown-Ups” section features family-friendly recipe ideas, including Handy Manny’s Chili Con Carne.

Directions
•2 teaspoons olive oil
•1/2 cup onion, chopped
•1 pound lean, ground turkey
•1 15-ounce can red, pinto, or kidney beans; rinsed and drained
•1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
•1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder, more or less according to taste
•3/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Garnish: Chopped red onion, tomato, cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Add turkey and cook, stirring often to break up the bigger bits, until turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes.
4. Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar.
7. Serve with onion, tomato, cilantro, and cheese for garnishing.