Chipotle Salsa Chicken

One of my good friends was nice enough to share her salsa recipe with me a few years ago.  I love it!  I could drink it.  But I can't leave well enough alone.  I started with her excellent salsa recipe, made a few changes, and made dinner.

Chipotle Salsa Chicken

1.5-2 lbs chicken breasts
1 can Mexican stewed tomatoes
2-3 chipotles in adobo, seeds and ribs removed
1 medium onion, cut into l chunks
3-4 cloves  garlic
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp thyme
Optional ingredients:  sour cream, chopped cilantro and shredded cheese on top.

Place chicken in crock pot.  Put the remaining ingredients in the blender and chop.  Pour ingredients over the chicken and cook 4-6 hours on high.  Shred.  I serve over rice but would also be good in a burrito.

Notes:  I always use frozen chicken breasts, so it was closer to 6 hours.  Fresh breast would be closer to 4 hours.  Chipotles can be hot!  So don't forget to remove the seeds and ribs and wash your hands after handling.  If you want a milder version of this, substitute a small can of green chilies for the chipotles.

6 Great Uses for Cornstartch

I recently bought a new container of  cornstarch and decided to look for uses for it outside the kitchen.  Most people who cook enough know that it can be used for thickening sauces and gravies, but here are some other interesting uses.

My Top 6 Uses for Cornstarch

6.  Clean sticky playing cards.  Place a few tablespoons of cornstarch in a Ziploc bag with the cards.  Shake well, then dump the cards out and wipe with a towel.

5.  As a carpet deodorizer.  Mix 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup cornstarch and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  Sprinkle on carpet and let sit 15-30 minutes before vacuuming.  I like using lemongrass oil.  It makes the house smell kind of like Fruit Loops :)

4. Use as baby powder.  Works great on diaper rash and its unscented! 

3.  Make powdered sugar if you run out.  Blend 1 cup granulated white sugar and 1 Tablespoon until smooth.  Makes about 1 cup.

2.  Dry shampoo for your dog.  Rub cornstarch into fur, then comb or brush out.

1.  When you are trying to cut your son's hair and he moves and you cut his ear and the blood is everywhere and just won't stop no matter what you try... a little cornstarch on a cotton ball or paper towel dabbed on the cut will stop the bleeding almost instantly :)  Or when you accidentally cut a baby's nails too short and cause one to bleed... dip fingertip in cornstarch.  Works great on shaving cuts, too!