My family misses eatting out so we try make fast food at home once in awhile. One of the easiest is Taco Bell Burrittos. Beans, cheese, chopped onions, and taco bell condiment sauce. Do you have any other ideas?

Wendy’s Chili

2 lbs. fresh ground beef
1 qt. tomato juice
1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree
1 (15 oz.) can red beans, drained
11½ cups chopped onion (1 med.)
½ cup celery, diced
¼ cup. green pepper, diced
¼ cup chili powder
1 tsp. cumin (if you like real flavor, add more)
1½ tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. each: black pepper, oregano, sugar
Optional: 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste

In a frying pan, brown the ground beef; drain. Put the drained beef and the remaining ingredients into a 6-quart pot. Cover the pot; let it simmer for 1-1½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes.
________________________

11 SECRET HERBS AND SPICES LIKE KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN

2 T. paprika
1 T. onion salt
1 t. celery salt
1 t. rubbed sage
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. ground allspice
1 t. ground oregano
1 t. chili powder
1 t. black pepper
1 t. sweet basil leaves, crushed
1 t. marjoram leaves, crushed fine

Combine all ingredients as listed in a small jar with a tight fitting lid (baby food jars work well). Shake mixture to combine. Stores for months. Keep out of direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
(makes about 1/3 cup)

TO USE:
Mix together 4 t. mixture, 1 c. flour, 2 T. packed light brown sugar and 1 t. salt. Place in doubled plastic food bag and add chicken to coat. Fry.

February, 2001 Menu Minder
_____________________________
OLIVE GARDEN’S SMOKED MOZZARELLA FONDUTA
Serves Eight

1 loaf Italian bread, such as ciabatta or semolina, sliced into ¼ inch slices
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups shredded mozzarella or smoked mozzarella cheese*
3 cups shredded smoked provolone or provolone cheese*
(*This recipe calls for one of these two cheeses to be smoked and one to be regular)
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
8 teaspoons fresh diced tomatoes
Fresh chopped parsley

Preparation:

Arrange sliced Italian bread flat on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Set aside until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Combine sour cream, thyme, red pepper, cayenne pepper and four cheeses in a large bowl and blend thoroughly.

If serving family-style, spray an 8” x 10” casserole dish with pan spray, then use a spatula to transfer the mixture. For individual servings, spray eight individual heat-resistant serving bowls, such as soufflé cups, with pan spray and fill each with ½ cup of mixture.

Place individual bowls on a baking sheet.

Using a large spoon, spread cheese mixture to create an even surface.

Place casserole dish or baking sheet with individual bowls on center rack in oven.

After five minutes, place baking sheet with bread, still covered, on top rack in oven. Bake for an additional five minutes.

Remove bread and fonduta from oven.

Garnish casserole dish with diced tomatoes and parsley in center of fonduta or divide evenly among smaller bowls.

Arrange bread slices around bowl(s) and serve immediately.

Filed under: budget living

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!