Over the weekend we somehow managed to keep the kitchen clean in between meals. It was amazing. I love when that happens. I also love when I don't have to spend much time on a really good meal. We ate soup, roasted chicken and vegetables, leftovers, and banana pancakes with scrambled eggs- all of which were easy to throw together and easy to clean up. Cooking is my favorite hobby, but it's not my only one. Those opportunities when I'm able to step out of the kitchen and work on other things.. I take those very seriously and gratefully. I'm guessing you do, too. 

So here's an opportunity for you! Settle some chicken thighs in your crock pot with some salsa and let it sit until it's time to eat. The end. You've already done this, right? Tell me you have! I've been hearing about people doing this for years, why did it take me until now to do it?! It's the most tender chicken I've ever put in my mouth, it stretches a little bit of meat a long way, and it's so easy. I added some extra green chilies and garlic to ours, served it over simple rice and beans, and garnished it with guacamole and fresh cilantro. Yummmm. Oh, and we had these carrot fries as a side, which are also very delicious and you should try them. 

So, now that dinner is taken care of, what are you going to do with your chance to step away from the stove? I'll tell you some options that would run through my head if I was presented with a block of free time to spend outside the kitchen...

Run upstairs, clean the tub first, then fill it up and soak in it.

Read one of the 3 books I just requested from the library.

Sit at the computer desk and design stuff.

Stretch.

Skype with one of my sisters.

Make some lists.

Paint my toenails and shave. Soon it will be time for flip-flops. (right, Spring?!)

Plan vacation-y things in our notebook.

Drink tea.

Curl my hair.

Browse new music on iTunes.

Write a letter to Grant.

Post on Hadley's blog. 

Rent a good movie.

Nap. 

Imagine, if you all of a sudden had a bit of free time, (really free), how would you spend it? While you think on that, throw some chicken thighs in your crock and get ready for an incredible dinner.

Slow-Cooked Burrito Chicken

8 chicken thighs (chicken breasts sometime get a weird texture in the crock pot)

salt and pepper

favorite burrito seasonings/spices (I used some cumin and paprika)

1 cup your favorite salsa

optional: chopped garlic and chopped green chilies 

Add chicken thighs to crock pot and top with remaining ingredients. Set crock pot to high and let cook 5 hours. Shred chicken and set crock pot to 'keep warm' until ready to eat. Serve in tacos, burritos, or over a bowl of rice and beans.