Mexican Pizza

Too many recipes!!

I'm not kidding. Even if I cooked five new recipes every day for the rest of my life, I would never get to try every good thing that I saw. If I posted five times a day every day, I would never get to share every recipe that you should make. There are too many!

That's why I'm posting today, even though I posted yesterday. It's time for me to grow up and get a life. I can't help it. I don't like it. But it's just how it is.

Anyway, aren't you glad that I don't have more of a life? If I had more of a life, I wouldn't have time to share this Mexican pizza recipe with you. I made it up by myself! I feel accomplished. Not to brag, though. I don't have much culinary imagination. I'm not going to wow you with an out-of-this-world creative, gourmet recipe. It's simple, but it's delicious!

I made my pizza extremely spicy. You may want to go easy on the spices, or use mild salsa. But that would be boring. 

Here's the recipe!

1/2 batch ERM pizza crust  <--(I use half whole wheat flour now)

several sprigs fresh cilantro

several sprigs fresh oregano

cumin

chili powder

cayenne pepper

medium salsa

1/2 can black beans, drained

1 (4 oz) can green chiles, drained

freshly grated pepper jack cheese

mozzarella cheese

Mix some of the fresh herbs in with the dough. Roll out on a greased baking sheet to desired thickness. Bake at 425 for 10 min. Add salsa and other toppings. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Makes: one thin pizza

Who wants Dominoes or frozen pizza when you can have homemade pizza in less than an hour? 

 

Questions of the day: what are your favorite pizza toppings?

Have a good night!

Mellie

Taco Rice

Woohoo! Only half a day left of school! And all my hard exams are done! I'm soo ready to be done with school, I know some of y'all have a month left, but I have NEVER been to school this late before! It's like all my body, mind, and soul just shuts down on May 19 or 20 and refuses to do school things, and it's taking all of my physical and mental energy just to get up in the morning. (Oh, wait. That's how it's always been.) Snow is stupid!

On to more positive things. Like cooking. Cooking, I think, is good for your mind. You have to concentrate on several things at once and you don't have time to worry. I don't eat for comfort, but I think cooking and baking are kind of comforting.

And today, that comfort comes in the form of taco rice!

I love Mexican food! There are a few Mexican restaurants in my town, but the two I've been to are absolutely disgusting. But it's OK, because I think my mom makes just as good Mexican food as a restaurant. And this dish is one of the best we make.

I also like to think it is somewhat healthy, because it contains three vegetables and brown rice. Some of you are thinking, "How dare you call anything with red meat healthy!" But, the beef I used was pretty lean to begin with, and I drained it thoroughly. But if that's still not healthy enough for you, then chicken or no meat would be good too.
Some people are thinking, "I would never eat brown rice! Ugh!" But, although I'm not much of a health freak, I've never seen what was so great about white rice and pasta. It's not only unhealthy, it has absolutely NO flavor. I don't think people really like it, they just use it because it's cheaper, or maybe because they're scared of healthy food. But whole grains aren't scary, I promise! they are worth the money!
And now, I will (finally) shut up and post the recipe.

Taco Rice
 (serves about 5)

1 lb lean ground beef
half an onion, chopped
handful of mushrooms
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
2-3 tsps cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1-2 tsps dried oregano
a few sprigs fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
2 1/2 c rice
Lettuce

In large skillet, brown the beef, onions, and mushrooms. Remove from heat, add tomatoes and spices. Cook rice according to package directions. Stir into meat mixture. Top with lettuce and salsa or cheese or sour cream.

Unfortunately, I can't take credit for this lovely photo-it's my mom's.


Have a good afternoon!
Mellie