Taco Tuesday (on Monday)

Everyone loves Taco Tuesday!  And, yes, I know it's Monday.   Monday means Red Beans and Rice around these parts.  But, we're having tacos tonight and red beans tomorrow.  Confused yet?  OK, here's what happened:  I forgot to soak the red beans overnight.  I always soak the beans on Sunday night so I can put them in the crock pot on Monday morning.  But, of course, I forgot.  So, we are flip flopping Red Beans and Rice Monday with Taco Tuesday.  There you go.

I usually give you set recipes in this blog but today I just wanted to give you a few ideas for Taco Night.

The first idea is how to make crispy tortilla bowls.  I just bought these cute pans:

You don't need any special pan to make these.  Just ball up a large piece of aluminum foil, lay a tortilla over it, spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt.  Bake at 400 degrees until lightly browned and crisp, about 8 - 10 minutes.  Let cool a bit before removing from the ball of foil.  Serve your salsa in these or use them as a bowl for a taco salad.

 The next idea is a quick side dish to go with your tacos, Salsa Rice.  Just warm up some leftover cooked rice, add a little salsa and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Easy and a great way to use leftover rice.


Another tip is to use an upside down muffin tin to hold your taco shells while you fill them.  Great tip for little ones! (Or older ones who are a little clumsy, like me)


                                  

You can use another muffin tin (right side up) to hold all the fixings.

Finally, here is a recipe for Make Your Own Taco Seasoning.  This recipe replaces that packet you buy at the store.  If you have these seasonings in your kitchen, there is no excuse not to have a Taco Tuesday (any night of the week).

MAKE YOUR OWN TACO SEASONING

1 TBS chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Blend everything together.  Sprinkle over 1 lb cooked and drained ground beef or ground turkey (vegetarian version: use a large can of black beans, rinsed and drained).  Add 3/4 cup water.  Stir well.  Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Here's a taco bowl with all the fixings:

Fun, right?

So, there are a few tips to make Taco Tuesday (even if it's Monday) a success.  Enjoy!