Taco Cupcakes

Wow, this is such a easy, quick and delicious meal! Of course I found the recipe on Pinterest, then changed it up a bit to our tastes :)  My husband had doubts, but was surprised by how much he liked these.

Taco Cupcakes

1 lb ground beef (can use chicken or turkey)
Taco seasoning (I make my own with Ppaprika, Cayenne pepper, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder)
1 can Jalapeno Beans
1 Jalapeno chopped
1/2 Onion chopped
1/4 - 1/2 cup Salsa
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Wonton wrappers
Optional toppings - salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole
Cooking spray (I like Crisco)

Preheat oven to 375.

Brown the meat in a skillet and drain off fat. Return the meat to the skillet; add the taco seasoning, onion and jalapenos, salsa and beans.  Mix and simmer for 5-10 minutes

Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.  Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, then divide half of the taco meat mixture between the muffin cups.  Sprinkle cheese over the meat.  Repeat layers - wonton, taco meat and cheese.

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.  Top with your favorite taco toppings

I like to serve with Chicken Tamales! Enjoy

Source

Homemade Pizza

Every Friday night for the last few months I have been making pizza it has become our little tradition :)  I make a thin crust Spinach and ricotta pizza with pickled jalapenos. My husband is Southeast Asian so spicy food is a must for him.

Spinach and Ricotta Pizza

1 pkg Thin Crust Pizza (I prefer Mama Mary's thin crust)

Low Fat Ricotta Cheese

Low fat Mozzarella Cheese

2 cups Fresh Spinach

1/2 tsp of minced garlic

Thinly sliced purple onions

Tomato Sauce (I prefer Prego)

Pickled Jalapenos (may omit for taste preference)

Italian seasoning

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. Place pizza crusts on Pizza stone or aluminum foil

3. Lightly coat crust with extra virgin olive oil

4.  Place Spinach in pan with minced garlic over medium heat. Continue till all spinach is wilted

5. Apply tomato sauce to crust ( typically about 5 -6 large tablespoons per pizza)

6. Next add ricotta cheese in small thin spoonfuls, onions, and jalapenos.

7. Sprinkle with Mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Bake in oven till crust is golden brown about 20 -30 mins



Delicious

Since I am off all week I tried a new recipe which I got from Pinterest. I can't believe how many great recipes are available on Pinterest! What did I do without pinterest, anyway I made Tex Mex Chicken and dumplings. As usual I modified the recipe to our liking and simplified it.

The original recipe can be found here: http://www.todaysnest.typepad.com/todays-nest/2011/10/lola-cooks-texmex-chicken-and-dumplings.html

My Modified Tex Mex Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Serving size is about 6

1/2 to 1 lb Chicken Sausage (I use Caliente or Hatch green chile chicken sausage from Sprouts or Central Market)

1 lb Chicken chopped

2 cups of water

2 cups of chicken broth

1 medium onion chopped

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1/4 cup of chopped roasted hatch green chile's (may omit if not available)

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 to 1 cup sliced carrots

3 - 4 Celery ribs chopped

3 tablespoons flour

Dumpling Recipe

I use Bisquick box recipe and add in the following:

1 tablespoon cilantro chopped

1/4 cup cheddar cheese

Sweet Jalapenos 5-6 slices chopped (add for desired spiciness)

1. Put chicken stock and water in large pot over low to medium heat. Bring to low simmer

2. Season chopped chicken with salt / pepper

3. Brown sausage then, chicken in separate pan. When both are done set aside.

4. Cook Carrots, onions, and green chile's in pan. Add cumin and stir, then for 4 -5 minutes.

5. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cont to stir for another 3 minutes.

6. Ladle in some broth to loosen up flour coated vegetables.

7. Place chicken, chicken sausage and vegetables in large pot of gently simmering chicken broth / water.

8. Make dumplings according to Bisquick recipe, then add in Cilantro, chopped jalapenos and cheddar cheese.

9. Use two teaspoons to form dumplings and drop into top of simmering pot. Note the dumplings will double in size, but I just put them close together and divide them when serving.

10. Place lid on pot and cook covered for 15 mins without lifting the lid. DO NOT Open the lid during these 15 minutes, because the steam will cook the dumplings.

11. Check dumplings after 15 mins and if needed cook another 5 mins if not done. The dumplings will a light cream color and semifirm when done.

12. Serve warm and enjoy!

Crissy