Food Talk Friday

We love Mexican food.  LOVE IT! Going out to eat though is pricey. So I have been working on recipes to make our favorites at home.

This last week I made Fajitas. SO GOOD!  I didn't take a picture, but I should have. On my iron skillet it could have passed for a dish from our favorite Mexican restaurant.

They are super easy.

Fajita Seasoning:
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
2 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp Onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp cumin

Mix together. Makes just over 3 Tbsp. of seasoning. I used only half of it on our Fajitas.

Cut 2 chicken breasts, or steak into thin slices and toss with seasoning
Slice the following into thin slices
2 green peppers
1 onion
1 tomato

Heat an iron skillet over medium high heat. Once the skillet it hot toss the seasoned meat and veggies into the skillet. Stir frequently to get everything cooked through.

Serve on flour shells, with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

This made enough for 4 servings for us.

and was SUPER GOOD!

Have blessed FOCUSed day!

Food Talk Friday

I can't believe it is Friday again! Where does the time go?  So I have the recipe for you for the Sloppy Tamale Pie. It is easy and delicious!

This serves approximately 6 and can be done either on the stove or in the crock pot.

1 lb. ground meat
1 carrot shredded
1 zucchini shredded
1 onion chopped
2 cups frozen corn
1 can sliced black olives (optional)
1 packet taco seasoning
2-15 oz cans tomato sauce

Brown meat and veggies. Drain. Add all ingredients to pot or crock pot. Cook on medium til heated through, or in crockpot on low 5-6 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
(You can also brown the meat/veggies, cool then toss all the ingredients in a freezer bag and put it in the freezer. When you want to make it, thaw it, then put it in the crockpot. Easy Peasy!
Great served with cornbread, or with rice.


Sorry I don't have any pictures, I'll be honest it isn't  the prettiest thing on the plate, but it is so good!


Have a blessed FOCUSed day!

Food Talk Friday

As you might have noticed earlier this week I love some cornbread. =) I have a fantastic easy recipe that I want to share with you today.

3/4 cup Corn Meal
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
5 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 egg, well beaten
2 Tbsp melted shortening (I use coconut oil instead)

Mix dry ingredients. Add milk, egg, and shortening and stir til well mixed. Bake in greased 8x8 pan for 20 minutes at 425 degrees.

This is seriously my favorite cornbread. It is sweet and moist. You can mix up all the dry ingredients in a jar and label with the directions and the wet ingredients that are needed, and it is just as simple as a box mix. Altho I don't find it necessary to do that except when camping =)


Enjoy and Have a Blessed FOCUSed Day

Food Talk Friday

I have a tip for you today. It's easy, and will save you a lot of money on a very common baking item.
Vanilla Extract!

You can make your own. You only need 2 ingredients, and a container to store it in.

Ingredients:
Vodka (the cheap stuff, but at least 80 proof) I hear you can use rum too, but I haven't tried it
Vanilla Beans (I like at least one whole bean per cup of vodka, but I usually add more)

I cut the beans in half, the snip up the center making a V shape. Drop them in the vodka. Let it sit 6-8 weeks and you will have the best Vanilla extract ever!

the jar is full with vodka, the beans sink to the bottom

You can just put the beans down in the Vodka bottle if you like, but I pour mine into large mason jars and use a reusable lid. Then I place them in a paper sack and stick them in a cool dark place (aka my pantry). Occasionally you can give it a shake for fun and to mix it up a bit. I like to see the progress.

I write on the sack so I know when to start using my vanilla

Look at this nice dark vanilla

This is from my first batch

Now for a little number crunch. If you go and buy real vanilla extract at the store (at least in my area) you are looking to spend about $2.00 an ounce. I made 8 cups or 64 ounces today for $17.00. That is a mere $0.26 an ounce. That is a savings of $1.74 per ounce to make it yourself.  I made my first batch of 4 cups November 18, 2011. Yes you read that right 2011. I still have about 1/2 cup left, but started more so I wouldn't be out.  When I finish up the vanilla I'll just drop the beans into the other jars that I have.


I know we just finished up Christmas, but you could get a big head start! This makes a great gift. Bottle it up in a pretty bottle for the baker in your life!

Have a blessed FOCUSed day!