Sometimes I seem to take the most difficult route to the finish line. That’s not all bad. When it comes to cooking, that probably means I am choosing a healthier route, avoiding processed or convenience foods in favor of making things from (mostly) scratch.
Recently I managed to put together an entire taco/fajita meal from scratch. It is not that hard and can actually be done in advance and warmed up for meal time.
One of the great things about these recipes is that you can double them. Tacos are a great freezer option for the kids. Mix the meat, beans, and rice together and freeze them in kid-sized servings. When you are in need of a quick meal, rather than grab a kiddie microwave dinner, thaw a container of your taco mixture from the freezer. This is a much healthier option for the little ones without any more effort that a frozen microwave dinner.
Here’s some ideas for what it can include:
Meat:
Chicken, Ground Beef, or Ground Turkey (Use a taco or fajita seasoning packet, or mix your own, here’s a recipe for fajita seasoning:
http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemademixes/r/fajitaseasonmix.htm
Sides:
Refried Beans – Why make your own? Refried beans are "refried" because the second time they are cooked they are baked with lard or vegetable oil. Making them homemade removes this step.
Mexican Rice – this is a tasty side dish.
Chips with Guacamole – We are not guacamole eaters in this house, but I wish we were because Avocados are one of nature’s superfoods. They are full of healthy fats and excellent for the kids so I've included a recipe just in case you are lucky enough to have guacamole eaters in your house:
If you want to add another side dish, try a simple mix of 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, and 1 cup salsa. Warm and serve!
Or, if you are bored with tacos, try Enchiladas. They are easy to make and any leftovers freeze well. Serve with any of the sides listed above.
Recently I managed to put together an entire taco/fajita meal from scratch. It is not that hard and can actually be done in advance and warmed up for meal time.
One of the great things about these recipes is that you can double them. Tacos are a great freezer option for the kids. Mix the meat, beans, and rice together and freeze them in kid-sized servings. When you are in need of a quick meal, rather than grab a kiddie microwave dinner, thaw a container of your taco mixture from the freezer. This is a much healthier option for the little ones without any more effort that a frozen microwave dinner.
Here’s some ideas for what it can include:
Meat:
Chicken, Ground Beef, or Ground Turkey (Use a taco or fajita seasoning packet, or mix your own, here’s a recipe for fajita seasoning:
http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemademixes/r/fajitaseasonmix.htm
Sides:
Refried Beans – Why make your own? Refried beans are "refried" because the second time they are cooked they are baked with lard or vegetable oil. Making them homemade removes this step.
Mexican Rice – this is a tasty side dish.
Chips with Guacamole – We are not guacamole eaters in this house, but I wish we were because Avocados are one of nature’s superfoods. They are full of healthy fats and excellent for the kids so I've included a recipe just in case you are lucky enough to have guacamole eaters in your house:
If you want to add another side dish, try a simple mix of 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, and 1 cup salsa. Warm and serve!
Or, if you are bored with tacos, try Enchiladas. They are easy to make and any leftovers freeze well. Serve with any of the sides listed above.