Angela's Taco Seasoning

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup minced dried onion
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons flour

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all ingredients together and store in a sealed container.
2. Mix 3 tablespoons of the mixture with 1/2 cup of water and 1 pound cooked hamburger. Simmer for 5 minutes or until it reaches desired consistency.
   

Minute Lasagna

My sister called and asked for this recipe today. I haven't made it since I found out about Maxson's allergies because of the cheese and eggs. This is a great meatless dish--you won't miss it!

Bake: 45 minutes Oven: 350ºF Cool: 10 minutes Makes: 16 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Sauce:
29 oz can Del Monte Tomato Basil spaghetti sauce
1/2 can water
16 oz can Italian style tomatoes, chopped
1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced and sauted (opt.)

Noodles:
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Filling:
2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
2 eggs
10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed (opt.)
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cups parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together ingredients for sauce.
   
2. Mix together ricotta cheese, egg, and pepper.
3. In a 9 x 13 pan, layer: 
1/3 sauce, 4 noodles, 1/2 filling, spinach, 
1/3 sauce, 4 noodles, 1/2 filling, mozzarella cheese, 
4 noodles, 1/3 sauce, parmesan cheese.
   
4. Cook in 350 degree oven, covered for 45 minutes and uncovered for 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Protect Marriage

I've been following the news about Proposition 8 in California pretty closely. As I've read articles, watched video ads, for and against the proposition, my desire to do something about it has become overwhelming. Marriage is between one man and one woman. "Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator's plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage (http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/california-and-same-sex-marriage)." I know that supporting this cause will help to protect our families, our liberties, and our religious freedoms. If you believe in this cause, email your friends, call them, blog, let them know where you stand. Current polls are showing that the race is very close. I don't live in California. I can't vote. But I can contribute financially. Most of you know Devlin's in school. We don't have a lot of extra funds. But I know every little bit will help. Go to https://www.icontribute.us/protectmarriage/initiative/hqsidebar to make a contribution today. If you live in California--vote YES on PROPOSITION 8! For those of you who do live in California and support protecting marriage--thank you for all the time and work you've spent to help Proposition 8 pass.

Southwestern Chicken Wraps

I found this recipe in an Everyday Food magazine. (Thanks, Angela, for the gift subscription!!) The hubby said it's a definite "do-over"!

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup sour cream or tofutti sour cream
1-2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 sandwich wraps, (10 inches each)
3 cups baby spinach or romaine lettuce
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (15 ounces) drained and rinsed black beans
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, jalapenos, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread sandwich wraps with sour-cream sauce, leaving a 2-inch border. In center of wraps, in a rectangular shape, layer equal amounts of baby spinach, shredded chicken, black beans, tomato, onion, and avocado. For each wrap, fold two sides of wrap over filling (the short sides of the rectangle), then roll tightly, ending seam side down.
   

"Impress Your Friends" Salsa

My sister-in-law gave me the original recipe for this salsa. It originally calls for chopped jalapenos and 2 cans of stewed tomatoes. I don't usually have jalapenos on hand so I substituted the jalapenos and stewed tomatoes for 2 cans mexican stewed tomatoes. Every time I've brought this to a gathering I'm asked for the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cans mexican stewed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon red onion, minced
1 can petite diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place mexican stewed tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, 1/4 cup red onion, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until well combined.
2. Pour into a separate bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon red onion and petite tomatoes.
3. Chill for 1 hour before serving. (You can also serve immediately if desired.)
4. Serve with tortilla chips.