Homemade Taco Seasoning and Taco Cupcakes

This summer I've lived out my fantasy of being a stay at home (grand) mom.  I didn't teach any summer classes this year so I've been technically off work since May. While I have been doing some great consulting work and prepping for fall classes, much of these last several months has been child focused. Most weeks I've had at least one (or three) grandkids staying with me. I've really loved the time with all of them.  Here's some of our bunch. Aren't they great?!

One of the most exhausting things about having kids around is the amount (and times) they eat! Seriously, it feels like they just get done with breakfast and are ready to eat lunch! I love to cook but really hate having to think about food constantly. I like to make things that can serve as more than one meal (and with as little serving effort on my part). Fortunately they are all pretty good eaters and are open to trying different things. Hence, taco cupcakes were born! Another Super Simple recipe!

 



I never seem to have the packaged taco seasoning on hand when I want it so I decided to make my own. It is Super Simple and I had all the ingredients in the cupboard. The following is the recipe for one batch, however, I quadrupled it so I would have some on hand for a later time.

 

Homemade Taco Seasoning (One batch)

 

1 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sea salt (or regular salt works too)
1/2 tsp black pepper

 

Mix this all together. Brown one pound of ground beef. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 10 minutes or until water is evaporated. Serve.

 

See, Super Simple!!!  And I like that I either have it on hand or can easily throw it all together if it is a spur of the moment Mexican night.  Or want to make Taco Cupcakes!

 

 

Taco Cupcakes (Makes 12 in large muffin cups)

 

Preheat oven to 375

 

Burrito size tortillas

1 can of refried beans

1/2 can of diced green chilies (I would have used the entire can but thought

                      it may be too spicy for kids)

1 pound seasoned ground beef

Shredded cheese

Toppings: Diced tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, avocado

 

1. Spray 2 large muffin pans with spray oil.

2. Cut burrito in quarters.

 

3.  Fold a quarter of the burrito into one half of the muffin cup. Press gently to fit into the cup. Repeat on the other side.

4.  Mix together the beans and green chilies. Put about 1 Tablespoon on top of the tortilla. (Approximately. It filled about 1/3 of the cup).

5. Layer with 1 Tablespoon (or so) of the seasoned beef. Fill to about 2/3 full.

6. Top with cheese.

7. Bake for 18 minutes. Check at 15 minutes to make sure the tortillas don't get too done.

8.  Add toppings of your choice.

 

9. Serve and eat up, yum!

 

 

The kids loved these (as did I). I made two muffin tins thinking I would have enough left over for lunch today but they were such a big hit that there's only two left!  Next time I make them I will double the batch. I think these would freeze really well and would be nice to have on hand.

 

 

Cucumber Salad

This year my cucumber plant is producing like crazy. Everyday there are at least 4 new cucumbers emerging. This translates to having at least two large cucumbers to eat for lunch or dinner.  One of my family favorites is cucumber salad. It is so super simple to make and tastes fantastic! Here's the recipe:

2 large cucumbers
1 medium onion
(Optional: add sliced tomatoes. I did because I had some that needed to be used).
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
salt and pepper to taste

Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion with a mandolin. (If you don't have one, you really need to get one! It makes quick work of slicing anything. Just remember to use the safety piece so you don't slice up your fingers).

Put these in a large bowl.

Mix the vinegar, sugar, celery salt, salt and pepper.  Pour this mixture over the cucumbers and onions. Toss to coat.

Refrigerate for several hours or overnight (the longer it soaks, the better).

That's it! Told you it was super simple!

Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls

I love the look and thought behind Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos). This celebration occurs on November 1 and 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saint's and All Soul's Days.  The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and honor friends and family members who have passed.

I grew up in Southern California and was influenced by the beauty of Mexican culture. During my visit there last year I was inspired by my trip to Olvera Street by all the beauty and colorfulness of the sugar skulls. Since this is my summer of reusing and repurposing (and cleaning out old stuff), I uncovered some long forgotten masks in my basement. These African masks were left over from previous décor from another house.

Armed with white spray paint and temporary tattoos from Michael's, I transformed those old masks into something new and updated (for me anyway). Sorry, I can't find my before pictures. The original masks were all brown or grey. I didn't do anything to them structurally, just went wild with the spray paint.

These are the tattoos I got from Michael's. They were about $2.50 per pack. I just mixed and matched to create my own designs.



Here they all are hanging on the wall of my craft room. I just love them!  Sorry for the quality of the photo. It's not the best but you get the idea. After I put on the tattoos (the same way you would on your skin - with water), I let them dry well. Then I sprayed with several light coats of acrylic to make sure they will stay on.
 

Another Super Simple craft!  And I get to reuse and repurpose something I would have otherwise donated. I'm on a mission to decorate my craft room in a cool and eclectic style of things that bring me joy. I think I am on my way!

 

And if you don't have any masks hanging around your house, look at thrift shops and yard sales. Once you decide what you are looking for, you'll be surprised how things will jump out at you!

 

Happy Crafting!