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Chicken enchilada soup

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 tbs vegetable oil
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 qt chicken broth
  • 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook chicken breasts in oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook onion and garlic in remaining oil until onions are translucent. Pour in chicken broth.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together masa harina and 2 cups water until well blended. Pour into pot with remaining 1 cup water, enchilada sauce, cheese, salt, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil.
  4. Shred cooked chicken and add to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, until thickened.

 

Natural, non-toxic outdoor pest control

Mosquitos

Eliminating standing water goes a long way to curbing these suckers. Also try:

  • planting lemongrass, also known as citronella;
  • adding potted marigolds to seating areas — mosquitos hate their scent;
  • combining one part cinnamon, castor oil or eucalyptus oil with ten parts alcohol for a homemade repellant spray; and
  • applying concentrated garlic extract mixed with water and a binder like olive oil as a yard spray every two weeks.

Gnats

Gnats breed in decomposing plant matter, so keep mulch and soil covered with a dry top layer.  Also:

  • add a few drops of dish soap to an open container of vinegar for a homemade gnat trap;
  • keep damp, shady areas well-aerated to prevent fungal growth;
  • dab vanilla extract on skin or clothing to keep swarms away; and
  • try sodium vapor outdoor lighting to reduce attraction.

Ants

Ants don’t just invade picnics: they’re drawn to all sorts of garden plants. Halt their march by:

  • spreading coffee grounds throughout planted areas — they hate the smell;
  • drawing a line of chalk around doors, windows and other entry points (they won’t cross it);
  • planting fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary or sage, which ants find repulsive.

 

Ready to trade in your garden for greener pastures? Give me a call.