Hound Bailey & Cindy Modzelewski's White Wine Chicken Chili

Pulling over on High Street in Mystic, Conn., to enjoy the view of Mystic River, I couldn't resist taking a photo of my kayaking friend Cindy snuggling with my beagle/basset hound, Bailey.
Cindy Modzelewski, who is a featured kayaker in my travel memoir, Mystic Seafarer's Trail, agreed to share one of her recipes:

White Wine Chicken Chili 

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 c chopped onion
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1 1/2 c chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf broken in half
2 cups cooked chicken shredded
2 cups cooked, drained white beans
1 1/2 c grated Monterey Jack Cheese
Ingredients for 4 servings. Put all ingredients in crock pot on low for 6 hrs. Garnishes: diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, sliced black olives.

Enjoy!