BEST EVER 7 LAYER BURRITOS

These 7-Layer Burritos are absolutely delicious! As the name suggests, they’re packed with seven tasty ingredients: zesty chicken chunks, cilantro-lime rice, seasoned black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and plenty of cheese, all wrapped up in large, soft tortillas and grilled to perfection. Want to customize them? Feel free to add your favorite ingredients and turn them into 8, 9, or even 10 layers! Sautéed peppers and onions, shredded lettuce, black olives, or pickled jalapeños would make fantastic additions.

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

  • 1 rotisserie chicken (breast meat removed and chopped or shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup salsa (smooth, not chunky)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

For the Black Beans:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
  • 1/3 cup onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup jarred salsa
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

  • 2 cups hot cooked rice (basmati or jasmine recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste

For the Burrito Fillings and Other Ingredients:

  • Burrito-sized tortillas
  • Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • Pico de gallo or salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Hot sauce

DIRECTIONS

  • Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, salsa, and spices. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken evenly and warm it through. Add salt to taste, and if the mixture seems too dry, add a little extra salsa or water. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Black Beans: In a small pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in a little olive oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the black beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adding salt to taste. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice: In a bowl, toss the hot rice with melted butter, lime juice, and cilantro. Add salt to taste and set aside.
  • Assemble the Burritos: Heat a large, flat pan, skillet, or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Meanwhile, stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds to soften.
    To assemble the burritos, spread shredded cheese along the center of each tortilla, about 1 1/2 inches from the edge. Layer the rest of the ingredients (chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream) horizontally on top of the cheese, filling the bottom 2/3 of the tortilla.
  • Wrap and Grill: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom edge over the fillings, tucking in the ingredients as you go. Place the burrito seam-side down on the hot pan. Grill for 3-4 minutes until lightly toasted and heated through. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove from the pan.
  • Serve: Cut the burrito in half and serve with your favorite hot sauce, salsas, guacamole, and chips. Enjoy!

ADORABLE CHUNKY KNITTED CAT BED: 7-STEP PROJECT

I have a co-worker who is absolutely smitten with her cat. It’s quite something to see someone so devoted to their pet! She talks about him constantly and has an endless collection of his photos on her desk. She even uses a special name just for him when they’re having a chat.

She finds it unbearable to be away from her furry friend for too long. Whenever she goes out, she ensures her cat tags along. Thankfully, our workplace is pet-friendly, so she doesn’t have to leave him at home.

Last month, her cat celebrated his birthday, and I wanted to find the perfect gift for the occasion. After some thought, I came across a DIY knitted cat bed and knew immediately it was the right choice. This bed is not only cozy for cats but also straightforward to create.

Knitting is a timeless craft that people of all ages enjoy. It’s a relaxing and therapeutic hobby that allows for the creation of beautiful and unique items. There are various knitting methods, from traditional hand-knitting to machine knitting, each with its own techniques and styles. Traditional hand-knitting, the most common form, uses two needles. Factors like needle size, yarn type, and stitch patterns influence the final product. In contrast, machine knitting employs a knitting machine to produce intricate patterns and designs that would be challenging to achieve by hand.

For this chunky knitted cat bed, I used a technique called the Ohhio braid. Ohhio Braid is a thick, chunky yarn that’s ideal for various projects. It’s a seamless cotton tube filled like a pillow, making it incredibly comfortable to work with. Whether you’re making a cozy blanket or a standout clothing piece, Ohhio Braid is a fantastic choice.

Not only is this chunky knitted cat bed comfortable for your pet, but it also enhances your home décor. The soft, cozy material is sure to be a favorite for your cat, and it’s easy to clean, too. Your cat will love the extra comfort and security this bed provides.

If you’re searching for a simple, beginner-friendly project that will make delightful gifts for your animal-loving friends and family, this tutorial is just what you need. You’ll find it easy to follow, and the final product is truly charming. Why not give it a try?

Materials

  • Ohhio braid

Tools

  • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preparing the Ohhio Braid
Lay out your Ohhio braid on a flat surface. Decide on the size of the cat bed you want to create. A typical diameter for the base is about 15-20 inches, but feel free to adjust this according to your cat’s size and preferences.

Step 2: Creating the Base
Start by making a slip knot at one end of the Ohhio braid to create your first loop. Ensure this loop is loose enough for your fingers to fit through but tight enough to maintain its shape.

Step 3: Knitting the First Row
Insert your hand through the loop, grab the braid, and pull it through to form a second loop. Repeat this process to knit the first row. The number of loops you create will determine the diameter of your cat bed’s base. A good starting point is around 15 loops for a medium-sized bed.

Step 4: Building the Sides
Once the base is complete, start forming the sides by knitting into the back of each loop from the previous row. This technique will help curve the bed upwards, shaping the sides. Continue adding rows this way until you reach your desired height, typically around 5-7 rows for a cozy sidewall.

Step 5: Closing the Bed
To finish the bed, cut the Ohhio braid, leaving a tail of about two feet. Thread this tail through each loop of the last row, pulling gently to gather them. After all the loops are threaded, pull the tail tight to close the top of the bed, then securely knot it to the base to ensure it stays closed.

Step 6: Finishing Touches
Use the remaining tail of the braid to weave in and out along the bed’s edge, tucking in any loose ends for a tidy finish. You can also adjust the bed’s shape during this step, ensuring it’s perfectly round and snug.

Step 7: Presenting the Bed to Your Cat
Place the completed chunky knitted cat bed in your cat’s favorite spot. For added comfort, you can include a soft blanket or cushion inside, though the Ohhio braid itself is already quite soft and inviting.

GUIDE VIDEO 

BENEFITS OF CRAFTING FOR PET OWNERS

Crafting offers pet owners a wonderful combination of creativity, personal fulfillment, and the joy of providing for their furry companions. Engaging in DIY projects, like making a chunky knitted cat bed, not only results in a tangible product but also brings numerous benefits that enhance the well-being of both the creator and their pet.

Fosters Creativity and Personal Expression

Making a chunky knitted cat bed is a creative journey that allows pet owners to express themselves. Beyond functionality, it’s a chance to make artistic choices that reflect personal taste and the unique personality of their pet. Every decision, from selecting the perfect yarn color to choosing a soft texture, infuses the bed with personal stories and love. The design’s versatility allows for endless customization, whether incorporating special patterns or experimenting with techniques, turning the project into a canvas for self-expression.

Enhances the Bond Between Pet and Owner

Creating something special for a pet, such as a chunky knitted cat bed, deepens the emotional bond between the pet and owner. Pets often recognize the comfort and security of handmade items, fostering trust and affection. This strengthened connection is invaluable, nurturing a deeper relationship.

Offers Therapeutic Benefits

Crafting is known for its therapeutic effects, including stress reduction and anxiety relief. Working on a chunky knitted cat bed can serve as a meditative practice, helping pet owners focus on the rhythmic movements of knitting, promoting relaxation and benefiting overall mental health.

Encourages a Sense of Achievement

Completing a DIY project like a chunky knitted cat bed provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and creating a cozy space for a pet boosts self-esteem and confidence, knowing that your effort contributes directly to your pet’s comfort and happiness.

Promotes Eco-Friendly Practices

Crafting a chunky knitted cat bed allows pet owners to make environmentally conscious choices, like using sustainable materials such as eco-friendly yarns. This not only benefits the pet and owner but also contributes to a healthier environment. By creating rather than purchasing, pet owners can reduce their carbon footprint and support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Provides Customizable Pet Care Solutions

A chunky knitted cat bed can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of both pet and owner. Whether adjusting the size, shape, or material, DIY projects offer flexibility that store-bought items often lack, ensuring that the pet receives a bed that suits their comfort perfectly.

Looking to create a cozy haven for your feline friend? Why not knit them their very own bed? This chunky knitted cat bed is a heartfelt way to show your pet some love, and it’s easy to make by following this tutorial video.