Tacos Supreme

Tacos are one of my all-time favorite dishes. There's no need to go to a fast food restaurant for them; they are quick and easy to make at home.

2 pounds ground beef, lightly browned, well drained
1 or 2 packages taco seasoning mix
1/2 to 3/4 cups water

When the meat is prepared and drained, return it to the pan, then add the packets of seasoning mix and water as directed on the seasoning package. Simmer until liquid is absorbed.

I like to use corn tortillas, heated in just a small amount of cooking oil and drained on paper towels, but you can also use packaged taco shells. Heat them briefly in the oven for extra flavor.

Spoon the meat into the prepared tortillas or taco shells, and top with one or more of the following:

Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomato
Diced onion
Shredded cheese (mexican, cheddar, or your favorite flavor)
Sliced black olives
Sour cream
Guacamole
Sliced jalapeno peppers
Picante sauce

Serve with a side dish of refried beans if desired.

Store any leftover meat or toppings, tightly covered in separate containers in the refrigerator.

To make the lettuce easier to handle, remove the core: hold the head of lettuce in both hands, cpre facing down, and bring it down sharply against a hard surface until the core begins to separate from the leaves. Then use your fingers to grasp the core and twist it free. Discard the core. Allow a stream of cold water to run in to the core area, then let the water drain out. Store any unused lettuce in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Cool and Creamy Garlic Chip Dip

This is a recipe from my Mother-in-Law. It's wonderful with potato chips or tortilla chips.

1 to 2 packages cream cheese, softened
Fresh garlic, minced (to taste, may use up to 20 to 40 cloves
Sour cream

Soften cream cheese at room temperature, place in a large blender jar. Add the minced garlic, and enough sour cream to make a dipping consistency. Serve with chips. Refrigerate leftover dip in a tightly covered container. You may want to place the dip in a microwave for a few seconds if it is too thick after refrigerating.