Taco Nite

Who doesn't love a good taco night?

Simple. Quick. DELICIOUS!

Just in case you need some direction to go with your tacos, here's what I recommend:

Taco shells
Chopped Avocados
Black Beans (or Pinto Beans or both!) cooked up with some onion, cilantro, lemon/lime juice, cayenne pepper, pinch of cumin and maybe a touch of Tabasco.
Shredded Cheese - as much of whatever you like. Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack - the sky's the limit here.
Chopped Lettuce
Chopped Jalapeños
Salsa
and last but not least - because it's just not Taco Nite without it: Sour Cream! just dump it right on there - you know you want to.

Get creative - even cook up some ground beef. [If I do that, I cook it similar to the beans]

And please, don't forget the Tecate or Margaritas.

Comfort Food

Every once in a while I get a craving for a pasta salad my mom always used to make in the summer (come to think of it, she did make it at other times throughout the year too). It's so delicious - and gives me the feeling of home.

[I have changed it up a little from my mom's recipe to incorporate some of my own flair and personal preferences - I'm sure she would approve.]

Mom's Pasta Salad:

1/2 Box of Elbow Macaroni (I do like a whole wheat pasta in this) - cooked
1-2 cans of tuna - drained
2-3 stalks celery chopped
1/4 - 1/2 sweet onion chopped
about 1/3 - 1/2 cup of Mayo or "Salad Dressing" (aka: Miracle Whip) [Please note you may need more mayo - I always eyeball it 'til it looks right, and "right" when it comes to mayo - might be different for everyone]
1-2 Tablespoons of white vinegar
1-2 teaspoons dijon mustard
Some capers if you're into it
Salt and Pepper to taste

Once the pasta is cooked - go to town and get everything in a big bowl. Mix it up and eat it up.

Ah, the delicious taste of home...