Today's Homemade: Taco Tuesday

So I don't necessarily make something homemade everyday.  But when I do, I'll make a point to write a post about it.  One of the ways we keep our grocery budget under control is by meal planning.  At the beginning of the month, I write out a meal plan for the next four weeks and then we grocery shop at our local mega-everything-is-gigantic store.  Then I go to Whole Foods for meat...where only the prices are gigantic.

Anyway, this post isn't about menu planning...that will come later.  This post is about Taco Tuesday, which happens almost every Tuesday around these parts.

For a while, I was buying name brand taco kits at the local Gigantic-mart, but I was feeling more and more put off by the unspeakable ingredients in the seasoning, so I started buying tortillas at Whole Foods (only $20 for 2 shells!) and making my own seasoning.  At least the cheapness of homemade seasoning balances the extraordinary expense of GMO-free taco shells.

Anyhoo, homemade seasoning offers many benefits.  First, you control the flavor and spice level.  Hubster and I don't like spicy, so a nice mild blend works well for us.  Second, you avoid MSG and other nasties in your seasoning.  Third, I hear it's super cheap.  I haven't priced it out, but seeing as I have all the necessary spices already, it seems cheaper than buying a packet.

So the cast of characters is pretty straightforward and can be changed according to taste, whim or current level of stocking of the spice rack.  We have chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper and cinnamon.

The Recipe: 

All measurements are approximations

2.5 tbsp chili powder

1.5 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper (not pictured as I am out of pepper)

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp oregano

Dash of cinnamon

Mix and store in an airtight container.  You'll use between 2-4 tablespoons per pound of meat, depending on how much flavor you like.  I used the whole shebang on one pound of ground turkey tonight.  

Here's how I made my tacos...just for good measure.

Taco Recipe:

Sautee half an onion and one clove of garlic in olive oil until translucent or you're tired of waiting around.  Throw in a pound of ground turkey, beef or chicken.  Or beans if that's how you roll.  Stir while contemplating whether to have a drink right then or wait til dinner.  When meat is cooked through, drain if it's particularly fatty.  If you've decided on immediate drink, pop that baby open and drink.  Add 2-4 tbsps of above mix and about 2/3 cup of water to pan.  

Meanwhile you should have warmed the oven to 350ish and put the taco shells or tortillas in to warm.  

When most of the water is absorbed into the meat or beans, you're good to go.  

Serve with shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes or salsa, sour cream, guacamole...basically whatever accoutrements float your taco-lovin' boat.