Taco Night

Today was grocery day. While the kitchen is fully restocked of all kinds of ingredients, I am tired. So on busy days I plan something easy.

We have gone to ground turkey meat in place of beef. Mainly because it is cheaper. But also it is less fatty and therefore healthier.

Tacos

1# ground turkey or beef
2 T taco seasoning, recipe to follow
shredded cheddar cheese
shredded lettuce
salsa
sour cream
taco shells

Brown meat, drain
Stir in seasoning
Fill shells, top with cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 part chili powder
1 part ground cumin
1 part garlic powder
1 part onion powder
1/4 part cayenne (opt)

Combine all; store in an air tight container.

I'll also make up some nacho cheese to dip tortilla chips in. Mind you, this is not the healthiest, but it sure tastes good!

Nacho Cheese

In a microwavable safe bowl, cube 1/2 pound or so of processed cheese spread (Velveeta type) Add about 1/8 cup salsa and 2-3 tablespoons pickle juice. Microwave, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.

Pickle juice in nacho dip! No, I'm not crazy. You won't taste it, but is helps keep the cheese from hardening back much as it cools. Just a little trick I learned at my first job in the concession stand at Joyland Amusement park. :-)