Mary's Tacos and Spanish Rice

It has come to my attention that there is a vast amount of people in the world for whom Mexican food, specifically tacos in this instance, comes from A) taco bell or B) an Ortega box complete with premade shells and packaged spices and sauces of some sort and possibly some other "mexican" things. In any case I wouldn't know, I've never gotten close enough to one of these boxes to find out. Now, I must make my disclaimer here regarding Taco Bell: I, myself, have enjoyed Taco Bell on many occasions. What you must understand about this is that it is to be appreciated on a level and as a food group all it's own. That said, let me share with you a dinner from my mothers repertoire of authentic Mexican cuisine; Beef Taco's and Spanish Rice.(Yes, I'm aware of the seeming contradiction in the term "Spanish" rice, but keep in mind that Mexicans are a hybrid result of the Spanish invasion upon the indiginous Indians of the area way back when.)

Mary's Tacos

serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 med. white onion, chopped
• 2-4 cloves finely chopped garlic(depending on your taste)
• 1/2 tsp. cumin powder
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tbs. crushed oregano
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 5 shakes tabasco sauce (more or less to taste)
• 1 1/2 dozen fresh corn tortilla's (making them from scratch is always preferable, but time consuming and a real pain in the ass so, i suggest Mission brand corn tortillas.)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:
Saute beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper and tabasco till meat is cooked. Heat 1 inch of vegatable oil in frying pan and place tortilla in oil. Fry each side 15- 30 seconds to soften then place a spoonful of beef mixture in center and fold tortilla in half and hold down with a spoon till it stays closed by itself. Fry both sides till crispy, remove and place on a plate covered with paper towels to drain excess oil. Top with your choice of toppings, i suggest the following:

• shredded cheese
• shredded iceberg lettuce
• Mary's salsa*
• diced tomatoes
• sour cream
• fresh cilantro
• Randy's guacamole**

*Mary's Salsa

• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 8 diced radishes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsely
• 4 dashes tabasco
• 1/4 cup water

Mix, chill and serve

**Randy's Guacamole

• 2 ripe Haas avocados
• 2 tbs. sour cream
• pinch of salt
• pinch of pepper
• 2 minced jalapenos(scrape out the seeds and juice from the inside and rinse jalapenos if you dont like so much heat)

Mix, chill and serve

Mary's Spanish Rice

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup oil or butter
• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup chopped brown onion
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce + 2 cans water

Directions:
Saute oil, rice and onion together in large saucepan till golden brown. 3-5 mins. Add tomato sauce and water and bring to boil. Cover and simmer on low heat 20 mins.