Hump Day Mexican

I'm totally engrossed in the Casey Anthony trial... Though I totally overslept this AM and missed the first hour/hour-and-a-half of witnesses. And I intended on getting up early too to tackle dinner for tonight... and even though I overslept, I got up and made some Mexican food. I really need to go to the grocery.... Anyway, I made some beans:

Mexican Beans: 

2 cans Pinto (or Black, if you're so inclined) Beans
1/2 a medium or large onion
1 TBSP Olive Oil
Taco Seasoning (I will also give this recipe... MSG free!)

Heat olive oil over med-high heat in a medium sauce pan. Add onion, and sautè until the onions are slightly clear, about 5 minutes. Add cans of beans, including liquid, and continue heating until beans are bubbly. At this time, add 1-2 tbsps (to taste) of Taco Seasoning. I find that the longer the beans simmer, the better the tastes absorb and meld. Also, allowing them to simmer a bit allows some of the liquid to evaporate, and leads to a thicker bean sauce. Also, if you squish some of the beans on the bottom of the pan and stir thoroughly, that helps the sauce thicken up.


No MSG, Homemade Taco Seasoning!
I find this seasoning to be tastier than packaged taco mix... Plus, it's better for you, because it contains ALL spices, and no chemical preservatives!

6 teaspoons chili powder
5 teaspoons paprika
4 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like spicier)

Combine all spices in a container with a tight-fitting lid, and shake well! To make taco meat, add 7 teaspoons (or 2 tbsp + 1 tsp), and 1/2 cup water to cooked meat of your choice (ground beef, turkey, chicken, or veggie crumble), or use it to "mex-up" any other dishes! YUM!


I grilled up some chicken breast tenderloins with some habenero seasoning my Mom gave us, and made Mexi rice, so I shall be dining on chicken tacos, beans and rice tonight at work!

And of course, boss-lady is ordering pizza. I could've totally gone for pizza, but not now that I have my deliciousness with me!

Now for the wait til dinner time. My tummy is grumblin' already!