Best.Dinner.Ever

I got this recipe from a cookbook my mom gave me before we headed over here.  We decided to try it because we were desperate for some Mexican food...anything that resembled Mexican food!  (I have changed some of this recipe around, so I'll add my changes in blue as the recipe goes...)

Deep-Dish Taco Squares:
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 C dairy sour cream (if you don't have quite enough, add more mayo)
1/3 C Mayo (if you don't have quite enough, add more sour cream)
1/2 C shredded cheddar (I used parts of 3 different cheeses - none being the orange cheddar I'm used to)
1T chopped onion (I used green onions)
1C Bisquick biscuit mix (I found an already made crust that was like a Pillsbury flaky crust...worked great!  May also want to try a pizza crust or breadstick crust that is already made!)
1/4 C cold water
1-2 fresh tomatoes
1/2 C chopped green pepper
1/2 package of taco seasoning
olives?
lettuce?
chips?!
Cook beef until brown; drain (add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 package of taco seasoning).  Mix sour cream, Mayo, cheese and onion.  Mix Bisquick and water until soft dough forms.  Pat in greased 8 x 8" pan, pressing 1/2 inch up on sides (I have halved this recipe and doubled the recipe...both turned out GREAT!).  Layer beef, tomatoes, and green peppers in pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (Add lettuce and olives to garnish?!) Makes 4 servings.
Here are some pics:

cooking up the meat!

fresh produce!

 ready to go in the oven! (who knows what temp it is at!)

ready to eat...mmm!  It would look so much nicer with some olives and lettuce.

Enjoy!

DIY Flour Tortillas

This is a great recipe for those of you that want to know what you're eating, can't buy them at the store, or forget to buy them and need to make some for dinner!

4 cups flour

1 t. baking powder

1.5 t. salt

2 T oil

1.5 cups water

Blend well (mix in a bowl).  Makes nice dough!  Pinch off 2-3 Tablespoons and roll in ball before rolling with a rolling pin.  Cook in teflon (?!) pan over medium heat.  Best when served warm.  Makes a dozen.  We use these for tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, and breakfast burritos.  

Thanks for the recipe, mom!

Best Granola Ever

• I got this recipe from the ALL YOU magazine a few years ago.  i cut it out and tucked it away.  Never made it when I was in America.  I've been craving granola since I've been here.  After three weeks, I gathered all the ingredients!  The only thing I changed was: No pecans.  Added coconut.

This turned out SO GOOD.  Our whole family ate a ton of it, with yogurt, for breakfast!  

We were joking that this would be such a nice gift to give someone and then we would eat another huge bite.  So...the next batch will be for friends!  

Enjoy!

• YIELD: 8 Servings
• COST PER SERVING:$1.03
• COURSE: Snacks

Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

• Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 375°F. Mist a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Mix oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey and oil and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat; carefully stir in vanilla. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture, stir and toss until thoroughly mixed.
• Spread granola on baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown evenly. Transfer sheet to wire rack and let cool.