What’s for dinner isn’t the easiest question to answer. Routine options go stale and I search for ideas on new food blogs. Recently I found one with Trader Joe recipes. You know I like TJs. So, I dictated a list on my Notes app and Stockton and I went to the store.
The first set back hit quick. They didn’t have the Hatch Valley salsa, but Stockton suggested alternatives. We buy their Salsa Verde with a can of green chiles. Has anyone else noticed TJ‘s checkout has the best bank card reader chime? It gobbled in November.
At home I prepare the chicken, brining then baking. As it rests, I assemble the other ingredients. The salsa jar refuses to open. I repeatedly twist, but the thumb joint in my right hand is starting to feel like I’m going to injure it.
I go to a different counter level for leverage. Nope. I run it under some warm water. Nope. I google and there were some crazy theories to force it open. Even though they involve using a blunt object I’m still leery about trying to force open a jar especially when it’s a glass container. A reasonable tip says to wear a rubber glove. I do so and nope. I try freehand again and I realize being a lefty my wedding band might be pinching skin. I remove my ring, this is serious. Nope.
Finally I put the tap on the hottest it will go. Steam rises from our kitchen sink. I hold the jar under the flow. I dry it off with a towel, and then I twist twist twist…pop. A sense of relief floods me. My thumb will be sore tomorrow, but I will sleep well tonight with a belly full of green chile chicken enchiladas.
Adventures in Low Vision 
Al you need is an old fashioned bottle opener. Put the flat end on the rim and gently pull up. Do this in several locations until you hear a pop. Does not injure the jar, and it opens right up. I do this all the time.
Aunt Janice, brilliant!
LOL! Isn’t that frustrating ! Around here it’s the milk jugs that are difficult to open. Our local Drug Mart has the best price on milk and it’s convenient because they carry a little of everythIng ( decent wine department ! ) but the last few months the milk has been impossible to open! It’s come down to keeping a pair of channel locks on my magnetic knife rack! To open MILK!!!!!!
The best tip I got for opening jars is from my old mother in law. She always used the tip of a teaspoon under the lid and a slight pry. About 99% of the time that pops the lid!
Your chicken recipe sounds great by the way!
Oh that is a great idea. And what a way to open milk!