CHICKEN TACOS WITH AVOCADO SALSA

These zesty tacos suit everyone. For extra toppings, add cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, black olives and lettuce.

—Christine Schenher, Exeter, CA


Start to Finish: 30 min. • Makes: 4 servings

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips

1/3 cup water

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed

1 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

2 teaspoons lime juice

8 taco shells, warmed

1. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Brown chicken. Add water, sugar and seasonings. Cook 4-5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, gently mix avocado, corn, tomatoes and lime juice. Spoon chicken mixture into taco shells; top with avocado salsa.

To freeze: Freeze cooled chicken mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary.

* After digging into these tacos, cool off with a refreshing drink. Flip here to find some sweet sips.

USE ’EM OR LOSE ’EM

Even frozen foods don’t last forever; the quality is bound to diminish with time. Use this list for easy reference.

 Baked cookies: 8-12 months

 Baked pie: 1-2 months

 Baked quick bread: 2-3 months

 Butter: 6-9 months

 Casseroles: 2-3 months

 Cheese, hard or soft: 6 months

 Cheesecake: 2-3 months

 Cooked chicken pieces: 4 months

 Cooked fish: 4-6 months

 Cooked shrimp: 3 months

 Frozen veggies: 8 months

 Ground beef: 4 months

 Ice cream: 2 months

 Soups and stews: 2-3 months

 Uncooked bacon: 1 month

 Uncooked chicken pieces: 9 months

 Uncooked pork chops: 4-6 months

 Uncooked steak: 6-12 months

 Whole chicken or turkey: 12 months

 Yeast bread or rolls: 3-6 months