Spicy Salsa Chicken Tacos

You can make this with a mild salsa or as spicy salsa as you want.  I like a little kick to it.  I also like to make my own flour tortillas for this recipe and I normally will deep fry the tortilla.

SPICY SALSA CHICKEN TACOS
(serves 5)

Ingredients:
*2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
*2 teaspoon chili powder
*1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
*1 teaspoon onion powder
*1 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon ground black pepper
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1 1/2 cups of spicy salsa (I can my own)
*3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
*10 flour tortilla (optional:fry in a little hot oil until lightly browned and fold in half)
*1 -2 cups Mexican blend cheese
*1 small yellow onion chopped (optional)
*Romaine lettuce, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
*1 tomato, diced (optional)
*Sour cream (optional)
*Hot Sauce (optional)

Slow Cooker Directions:
~Place chicken in slow cooker.
~In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, onions powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper together.
~Sprinkle over chicken on both and rub in.
~Sprinkle minced garlic over chicken.
~Pour salsa over chicken.
~Cook for 4-6 hours at the high setting.
~Remove chicken, and carefully shred.
~Return to slow cooker and add chopped cilantro (or dried)
~Cook for another 10 minutes.
~Lift meat with a slotted spoon (or use thongs and let the liquid drip off) and place on tortilla.
~Add desired toppings, chopped onion, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream and a couple drops of hot sauce.

Instant Pot Directions:
~Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to bottom of instant pot pan.
~In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, onions powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper together.
~Sprinkle over chicken on both and rub in.
~Sprinkle minced garlic over chicken.
~Put lid on, and turn vet to sealing.
~Set Instant Pot to Poultry mode for 14 minutes or Pressure Cook for 13 minutes.
~Do a quick release.
~Remove chicken, and carefully shred.
~Return to instant pot pan and add chopped cilantro (or dried)
~Allow to sit for 2 minutes.
~Lift meat with a slotted spoon (or use thongs and let the liquid drip off) and place on tortilla.
~Add desired toppings, chopped onion, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream and a couple drops of hot sauce.

Coffee Caramel Cheesecake

This is a big hit when I bring it to gatherings.   Normally it's eaten up very quickly.  The stronger the coffee the more the coffee taste will come out in the cheesecake.  

CARAMEL CHEESECAKE
(serves 8-10)

Crust Ingredients:
*15 graham crackers, crushed
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cheesecake Ingredients:
*3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
*1 cup granulated sugar
*3 large eggs
*1 cup sour cream
*1/4 cup very strong coffee
*1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:
*Caramel Ice Cream topping (I make my own)
*1 cup heavy whipping cream
*2 tablespoons powdered sugar
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Crust Directions:
~Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
~In a small bowl, mix graham cracker, cinnamon and butter together.
~Once mixed well, press into bottom of prepared pan.
~Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Cheesecake Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
~Slowly add 1 cup of granulated sugar, until well mixed.
~Add eggs, 1 at time, mix well after each egg.
~Stir in sour cream, coffee and vanilla.
~Wrap bottom and sides of springform pan with aluminum foil.
~Pour batter over crust.
~Set springform pan into a larger pan (I use a lasagna pan).
~Very carefully pour water into pan, being careful not to splash water into cheesecake mixture (enough water to cover bottom of pan about 1/2 inch deep).
~Bake for 1 hour.
~Turn oven off, but do not open the door or remove the cheesecake.
~Allow to cool in oven for 5-6 hours (removing to early may cause it to crack).

Whip Cream Directions:
~Beat heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl until foamy (I use my whisk attachment).
~Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
~Continue beating until stiff peaks form, when lifting up your beater or whisk.
~Put desired amount of whip cream over cooled cheesecake.
~Drizzle with caramel sauce.