From the Kitchen - Empty Nest and Outside the Nest

Tacos Galore

Are you ready to make a run for the border? No need to pick up fast food. Check out your herbs and spices, and pull out that can of tomato sauce lurking in the back of the pantry.

That's right, folks. Today is a two-for-one day, as far as recipes go.

First of all, we'll start with the Southwest Seasoning. It looks like packaged taco seasoning, it tastes like packaged taco seasoning. It is taco seasoning. The good thing is, you can make as much or as little as you want, and always have it on hand. I like to keep my seasoning mixes in a small canning jar, but any jar with a tight lid will do.

Now, on to the taco sauce. This is so easy, and economical, and is ready in about 25 minutes.

We'll start with tomato sauce and water,

white vinegar,

the dry ingredients.

Everybody in the pool.

Cook it about 20 minutes, and there you have it.

I like to brown my hamburger, add the seasoning, water, black beans, and frozen corn.

Top off some chips, sprinkle the hot mixture with shredded cheddar, add the sauce, sour cream, sliced green onions.

It's a dig-in, scoop it up, savor the flavor, kind of a meal. As in: Is it ever good.

Happy Saturday

Southwest Seasoning

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp paprika

1-1/2 Tsp ground coriander

1-1/2 Tsp reduced sodium salt

1-1/2 Tsp garlic powder

1-1/2 Tsp oregano

1 Tsp ground cumin

1/2 Tsp ground black pepper

 Pinch of crushed red pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix together, store in tightly covered container. Use for taco seasoning or in Spanish rice. 1 Tbsp. per 1/4 lb. of meat

Taco Sauce

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1/3 C water

1 Tbsp white vinegar

1-1/2 Tsp dried minced onion

1-1/2 Tsp cumin

1 Tsp garlic powder

1/4 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp chili powder

1/4 Tsp paprika

1/4 Tsp granulated sugar

1/8 Tsp cayenne pepper

Combine all in sauce pan, simmer 20 minutes.