Southwestern-Flavored Ground Beef or Turkey for Tacos & Salad

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 3 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup cornmeal

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet until shimmering. Add onion; saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin; saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beef or turkey and cook, stirring often, until it loses its raw color. Stir in tomatoes; simmer to blend flavors, about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cornmeal; cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens, almost instantly. Cool and refrigerate (or serve warm for dinner as tacos or taco salad).

Here were some of the signs I made fir Christmas presents. These signs were so fun to make. I just need to figure out a cheap place to get vinyl! Any ideas?

Applesauce pancakes

Lately I've been looking for recipes to use the ingredients I already have. Pretty much to get rid of food (just in case we move) and to save money. This is a really good recipe and I was surprised with how good they were. The only difference I made was used apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice. I also added a little more milk than it called for because I like thinner pancakes:)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups dry pancake mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, stir together pancake mix and cinnamon. Make a well in the center of the pancake mix. Add the eggs, applesauce, lemon juice and milk; stir until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

I learned a new trick. I made a ton for a garage sale this weekend. I wonder how much I should sell them for. What would you pay for them?

Here are some new clips that my friend Susan and I made today. I think they urned out pretty cute. I love my new Crop-a-dile too!!!!




This one is a snail. I just haven't put his antennas on yet.

Another Bag....Hawaiian Style

Here it is. This one was made from a table runner. They did have place mats last time I looked, but they were all out of them. So, I found a table runner. I can't decide if I made it a little too long. What do you think. I also made sure I put the strap on better.
Notice I did a pocket this time?
Sorry for the bathroom shot. We only have mirrors in the bathroom since I've broken three of the long ones since I've lived here;(

Ok, so I had two place mats left. I was thinking about a library bag for Mckenzie, but once I started putting it together I thought that Kellie should have a cool church bag too:) Not to mention that they would be so cute going to church all matching!!!! I think it turned out super cute!!!!! Although, I did put the strap on backwards. Oh, and that strap is from an old bag that Ryan got for free at a conference he went to a few years ago. I might take the time to flip the strap.....we'll see.