When I was a kid, my mom would attest to the fact that I was one of the pickiest eaters in the world. There was hardly anything I would eat. Mom has pictures of me falling asleep at the table because of the whole, “You may not leave the table unless you eat something” style of parenting popular back then. The rules were that you did not have to finish it, but you DID have to TRY it, even if that was just one bite. I was a brat when to came to food (however, my dog, Smokey, loved me and for, some strange reason, always stayed as close to me as possible. . . especially during dinnertime). There were, however, a few foods I would eat with no argument, and mac ’n cheese was at the top of that short list. But if it was green, man, I was out, no way-no how. It’s sad, now that I look back on it, because the majority of our vegetables came from a beautiful, home-grown garden, and the eggs came straight from our own chicken coop. We also had fresh beef, venison, and pork. I probably missed a lot of good food just because I was so stubborn.

As you grow, your tastes change and you eventually begin try new things. But, there will always be a few staples in life that you will remember from your childhood that will take you right back. Outside of mac ’n cheese, homemade tacos where a show stopper to me. Now, here was a meal that really allowed you to play with your food. You could add as much stuff as you wanted and then cover it with cheese, and you had the perfect meal wrapped in a tortilla blanket. Now my mom’s tacos and burritos were really simple, and I haven’t changed that much over the years, but I do add my own special blend of seasonings. The fun is still there. I hope you enjoy!

Mom’s Tacos with The Manly Housewife Twist

Serves 4

1 Pound Lean Ground Beef

1 Cup Water

1 Small Onion

1 Tomato

Lettuce (your choice, Mom used Iceberg, and I use a spring mix)

Shredded Cheese (growing up, it was Cheddar, but now, with all the fun shredded flavors out there, we like to use a Fiesta or Mexican blend)

Fresh Guacamole (I will share that recipe sometime)

Sour Cream (light, if you’re counting)

Salsa

Flour Tortillas

Taco Seasoning

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

5 Teaspoons Paprika

2½ Teaspoons Ground Cumin

3 Teaspoons Onion Powder

3 Teaspoons Salt

2½ Teaspoons Garlic Powder

1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine Taco Seasoning ingredients together and set aside.
2. In a skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef.
3. Once meat is brown, drain the grease through strainer, and place meat back in the pan.
4. Add taco seasoning and water and simmer for 10 minutes (taco seasoning could be optional, but not in my house, but mom and dad like it without seasoning).
5. While meat is cooking, chop lettuce, onions and tomatoes and place in separate bowls.
6. Place cheese and meat in a separate bowls.
7. Put spoons in the guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
8. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven.
9. Serve it up buffet style, Line up the bowls and enjoy!

This is one of those meals that will always put a smile on my face. I hope it does the same for you and your family.