Mary Beth Johnson is a photographer, blogger, and journalist with a passion for finding beauty in unexpected places and celebrating the everyday. Originally from the east coast, she now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children (dubbed “schooners”). From an office full of fingerprints and walls scattered with imperfect artwork, she’s writing her first book, a memoir of her parents’ journey in raising 14 children, and her own lifestyle blog, Annapolis & Company.

We don’t keep a lot of traditions in our house, but this white chili is one of them. October rolls in, the kids pull out their animal costumes we re-wear year after year for trick-or-treating, and this mixture of white beans, onion, creams, and shredded chicken goes promptly on the stove.

There’s something about the familiar that can awaken all sorts of memories and no matter where you find yourself at the moment, you feel a sense of home. A sense of calm. I like that about traditions. This Halloween, we’re settling into a new state, a new home, and a new routine with a new baby, but simple recipes like these remind me that it is ALL good.

And now I’m off to make some of my grandmother’s cornbread to add to my nostalgia…