Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Crockpot Chicken Salsa Tacos

I really love creating and adapting recipes and rarely make the same recipe more than a few times a year...and then there was this. Probably one of my favorites and it is so simple that whenever I am in a hurry...this has just become my go to. 

You can make this recipe completely from scratch as I have done a few times...homemade salsa and taco seasoning. I really enjoyed those versions as well, but the simplicity of taco packets and the variety of different salsas on the market means I usually go with 'semi homemade' 

You really can mix this up each time. Sometimes I use green salsa but this last time I used spicy peach and the flavors just exploded off one another. If you want it more filling, add in corn or black beans. 

The options are endless!



Crockpot Chicken Tacos

1 lb chicken breast/tenderloins
1 packet taco seasoning
1 jar salsa
4 oz beer
4 oz chicken stock
1/2 lb zucchini (cubed)
extra pack of taco seasoning (optional for taste)
soft tacos/tortillas

Place the chicken in the crockpot, dump in the salsa and taco seasoning. Pour the salsa on top and then pour the beer and stock over it. Stir it and place on low for at least 5 hours and up to 8. About an hour before you plan to serve the tacos, add in the zucchini. Taste and if it needs more flavor, add in any spices or an extra packet of taco seasoning. 

Serve with cheese, sour cream, avocados or any of your favorite toppings.


Thursday, December 11, 2014

Pomegranate Cider Sangria

When we were up in Boston for Thanksgiving, I was super pumped to find a variety of cider flavors. They had the standard apple and then on top of that - cranberry, pear and pomegranate, I immediately ditched my plan for apple cider mimosas for Thanksgiving and went with a pomegranate cider sangria instead. 

There are not enough words to describe how delicious this ended up being. plus, it was so very simple to throw together in a quick moment! All you would have to do if you couldn't find the pomegranate cider all you would have to do is add a cup of pomegranate juice to the mix! And I often times make my own sangria, but for this instance, the sangria wine worked perfectly! Less steps to worry about and you can grab a bottle for less than $10.

I also think this would be a great choice for any holiday gathering or even for a New Years Party! You can make a big batch of this and it goes a long way! 

Next time I think I want to try this warmed up, would be perfect to drink while I binge watch Hallmark movies...and drive my husband crazy;)

To really drive home how delicious this is...my mother in law rarely drinks alcohol. She had two glasses. That is all you need to know to run and make this. Soon!


Pomegranate Cider Sangria

1 bottle sangria. 
1/2 gallon pomegranate cider 
1 cup spiced rum 
sliced apples
pomegranates

*champagne (optional)


In a large pitcher, place the apples and pomegranates. Pour in the sangria, cider and rum. Stir thoroughly and chill for at least an hour. The second glass I had, I filled my glass half way and then topped with champagne. I got the best of both worlds when it came to my mimosa addition;)

linking up with Pin Junkie