Many of the recipes that I come up with are truly experiments that I just throw together because I think they sound good.  Once these meal ideas are thrown together, I then cross my fingers and hope that everything turns out.

Last night was one of those experimental meal nights.

I STILL have not gone to the grocery, and basically the only things in my fridge are one sandwich thin, some bell peppers, Greek yogurt, onion, cheese, salsa, jalapenos, and frozen fruit….not much.  Luckily, I still have oats and nut butter in the pantryfor my morning meal!

Yesterday morning, I whipped out the crock pot, tossed in some ingredients and hoped that by the time I came home dinner would be served.  And BOY was dinner served!

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Soup

Yields:  6 servings

Nutrition:  Calories–191.4  Fat–1.9g  Carbs–27.5g  Protein–17.8g

Ingredients:

• 32oz can of plain tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup salsa
• 2 cups water
• 8-10oz cooked chicken*
• 1/5 cup chopped onion
• 1 seeded and chopped jalapeno (you can keep the seeds in if you like things extra hot!)
• 16 oz can of cannelini beans drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• dash of cinnamon (the secret ingredient!)

Directions:

Place all ingredients in the crock pot.  Cook on warm at least 6 hours,  you can cook it longer if needed.

*I cooked my chicken by placing 2 chicken breasts in the crock pot with about half jar of salsa and some water, I cooked it on low for about 5 hours until the chicken was tender and cooked thoroughly.  I then shredded the chicken.

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On another note, a couple of days ago when pulling out the Christmas decoration, Brian found a Yankee Candle North Pole scented car air freshener.  Neither of us knew what this scent smelled like, but Brian didn’t want it and I didn’t have high hopes for what this scent could bring to my car.   Boy, was I wrong!

I am not kidding you, this car freshener smells exactly how I hope the North Pole would smell.  The refreshing and comforting scent is so pepperminty and friendly, it instantly puts me in a good mood when I smell it.

Thank goodness I gave this scent a try….I was this close to tossing it without even giving it a try.  A close call if you ask me.

Hope you all have a great Thursday!

Of Possible Interest:

• 5 Healthy Cranberry Recipes:  Greatist.com
• Winter Running Shoes:  Fitsugar.com
• Guide to Natural and Artificial Sweeteners:  Real Simple