Hi, Group! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like forever. How are all of
you?

Me, I'm pleased to announce that in July, I will become an uncle; my sister,
who is two years my junior, is pregnant with their first child.

Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco Seasoning
Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a dinner for my
girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product because it contains
MSG, and substances in that chemical family give her a migraine.

Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet and
make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions for
such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?

Happ New Year! TIA

Dieter Zakas
--
Good, better, best; never let it rest, until your good is better and your
better is best. (Billy Cox)

Taco Seasoning Mix
2 t instant minced onion
1 t salt
1 t chili powder (ok, I like more)
1/2 t corn starch
1/2 t crushed dried red pepper
1/4 t dried oregano
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t dried garlic

Stir together. Add to cooked, drained meat along with 1/2 C water and
let simmer until thickened.

Frankly, most of the time I just order the taco seasoning from Penzeys.
They don't add msg to theirs.

http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html

marcella

In article >,
Dieter Zakas > wrote:

> Hi, Group! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like forever. How are all of
> you?
>
> Me, I'm pleased to announce that in July, I will become an uncle; my sister,
> who is two years my junior, is pregnant with their first child.
>
> Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco Seasoning
> Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a dinner for my
> girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product because it contains
> MSG, and substances in that chemical family give her a migraine.
>
> Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet and
> make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions for
> such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
>
> Happ New Year! TIA
>
> Dieter Zakas

Marcella Peek wrote:
> Taco Seasoning Mix
> 2 t instant minced onion
> 1 t salt
> 1 t chili powder (ok, I like more)
> 1/2 t corn starch
> 1/2 t crushed dried red pepper
> 1/4 t dried oregano
> 1/2 t ground cumin
> 1/2 t dried garlic
>
> Stir together. Add to cooked, drained meat along with 1/2 C water and
> let simmer until thickened.
>
> Frankly, most of the time I just order the taco seasoning from Penzeys.
> They don't add msg to theirs.
>
> http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html

I consider myself quite lucky that I have a Penzey's about a mile away.
>
> marcella
>
> In article >,
> Dieter Zakas > wrote:
>
> > Hi, Group! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like forever. How are all of
> > you?
> >
> > Me, I'm pleased to announce that in July, I will become an uncle; my sister,
> > who is two years my junior, is pregnant with their first child.
> >
> > Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco Seasoning
> > Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a dinner for my
> > girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product because it contains
> > MSG, and substances in that chemical family give her a migraine.
> >
> > Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet and
> > make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions for
> > such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
> >
> > Happ New Year! TIA
> >
> > Dieter Zakas

--Bryan

Dieter Zakas wrote:

>
> Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco Seasoning
> Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a dinner for my
> girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product because it contains
> MSG, and substances in that chemical family give her a migraine.

This is the one I use instead of buying a "mix" and it tastes great. I
don't like to buy mixes when I have all the spices already, and using
them frequently means they're fresh.

Taco Seasoning:

1 Tablespoon Red Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Oregano
2 teaspoons Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Sugar.

Combine and store in airtight container. Equals one regular package
"taco seasoning"
I brown my meat and toss the spices in with a splash of water and cook
for a few minutes.

Goomba38 wrote:
> This is the one I use instead of buying a "mix" and it tastes great. I
> don't like to buy mixes when I have all the spices already, and using
> them frequently means they're fresh.
>
> Taco Seasoning:
>
> 1 Tablespoon Red Chili Powder
> 1 teaspoon Paprika
> 1/2 teaspoon Salt
> 1 teaspoon Cumin
> 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
> 1 teaspoon Oregano
> 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
> 1 teaspoon Sugar.
>
> Combine and store in airtight container. Equals one regular package
> "taco seasoning"
> I brown my meat and toss the spices in with a splash of water and cook
> for a few minutes.

Do very many people measure spices when making tacos? Don't most people
just open each spice and pour some in?

Karen

In article .com>,
"Karen" > wrote:

> Goomba38 wrote:
> > This is the one I use instead of buying a "mix" and it tastes great. I
> > don't like to buy mixes when I have all the spices already, and using
> > them frequently means they're fresh.
> >
> > Taco Seasoning:
> >
> > 1 Tablespoon Red Chili Powder
> > 1 teaspoon Paprika
> > 1/2 teaspoon Salt
> > 1 teaspoon Cumin
> > 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
> > 1 teaspoon Oregano
> > 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
> > 1 teaspoon Sugar.
> >
> > Combine and store in airtight container. Equals one regular package
> > "taco seasoning"
> > I brown my meat and toss the spices in with a splash of water and cook
> > for a few minutes.
>
> Do very many people measure spices when making tacos? Don't most people
> just open each spice and pour some in?
>
> Karen
>

I cheated last time... ;-)

I chopped and sauteed' two whole onions, added some ground venison
sausage and chopped pork, one whole small jar of "Pace" brand chipotle
picante sauce, some garlic powder and a couple tablespoons of chile
powder.

No, I don't really measure spices. I use the "that looks about right"
approach. <G>

I also added 1 large bulb of fresh grated ginger, and just a smidgin of
powdered cinnamon.

I nearly always add cinnamon to mexican or Italian. Used sparingly, it
"brightens" the flavor and adds a subtle touch.

And yes, the tacos were delicious! I ate them over two days and my house
mate loved them too.

Served with fresh sliced leaf lettuce, chopped roma tomatoes, shredded
cheddar jack cheese and a can of sliced black olives.

I've also gone to using the pre-formed crispy taco shells instead of
frying my own. I really really do like those better!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> I cheated last time... ;-)
>
> I chopped and sauteed' two whole onions, added some ground venison
> sausage and chopped pork, one whole small jar of "Pace" brand chipotle
> picante sauce, some garlic powder and a couple tablespoons of chile
> powder.
>
> No, I don't really measure spices. I use the "that looks about right"
> approach. <G>
>
> I also added 1 large bulb of fresh grated ginger, and just a smidgin
> of powdered cinnamon.
>
> I nearly always add cinnamon to mexican or Italian. Used sparingly, it
> "brightens" the flavor and adds a subtle touch.
>
> And yes, the tacos were delicious! I ate them over two days and my
> house mate loved them too.
>
> Served with fresh sliced leaf lettuce, chopped roma tomatoes, shredded
> cheddar jack cheese and a can of sliced black olives.
>
> I've also gone to using the pre-formed crispy taco shells instead of
> frying my own. I really really do like those better!

I always cheat since I really don't like taco shells. I make what I call
Mexican hamburger helper.

I brown 1 lb of ground beef with a diced onion, garlic (to taste), 2 chopped
jalapeños, cayenne pepper (to taste), pinch of salt and fresh ground black
pepper in olive oil. Once the meat is browned I add a 1/2 cup of low sodium
beef broth, 1 sm. can of rotel tomatoes, 2 table spoons of salsa (your
favorite), crushed red pepper if you like it a little hotter. I let this
cook down till the broth is about gone then mix with elbow noodles and add
cheese when serving. I is better the next day as left overs as well. My wife
and kids love this about once a week.

--

Joe Cilinceon

Joe Cilinceon wrote:
> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > I cheated last time... ;-)
> >
> > I chopped and sauteed' two whole onions, added some ground venison
> > sausage and chopped pork, one whole small jar of "Pace" brand chipotle
> > picante sauce, some garlic powder and a couple tablespoons of chile
> > powder.
> >
> > No, I don't really measure spices. I use the "that looks about right"
> > approach. <G>
> >
> > I also added 1 large bulb of fresh grated ginger, and just a smidgin
> > of powdered cinnamon.
> >
> > I nearly always add cinnamon to mexican or Italian. Used sparingly, it
> > "brightens" the flavor and adds a subtle touch.
> >
> > And yes, the tacos were delicious! I ate them over two days and my
> > house mate loved them too.
> >
> > Served with fresh sliced leaf lettuce, chopped roma tomatoes, shredded
> > cheddar jack cheese and a can of sliced black olives.
> >
> > I've also gone to using the pre-formed crispy taco shells instead of
> > frying my own. I really really do like those better!
>
> I always cheat since I really don't like taco shells. I make what I call
> Mexican hamburger helper.
>
> I brown 1 lb of ground beef with a diced onion, garlic (to taste), 2 chopped
> jalapeños, cayenne pepper (to taste), pinch of salt and fresh ground black
> pepper in olive oil. Once the meat is browned I add a 1/2 cup of low sodium
> beef broth, 1 sm. can of rotel tomatoes, 2 table spoons of salsa (your
> favorite), crushed red pepper if you like it a little hotter. I let this
> cook down till the broth is about gone then mix with elbow noodles and add
> cheese when serving. I is better the next day as left overs as well. My wife
> and kids love this about once a week.

Two things wrong with that:
1. Onion should not be cooked. Cooking onions is not Mexican.
2. Do not use canned tomatoes and/or chiles.
>
You are correct in comparing that to HH. I'd be about as likely to eat
it.

> --
>
> Joe Cilinceon

--Bryan

In article >,
"Joe Cilinceon" > wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > I cheated last time... ;-)
> >
> > I chopped and sauteed' two whole onions, added some ground venison
> > sausage and chopped pork, one whole small jar of "Pace" brand chipotle
> > picante sauce, some garlic powder and a couple tablespoons of chile
> > powder.
> >
> > No, I don't really measure spices. I use the "that looks about right"
> > approach. <G>
> >
> > I also added 1 large bulb of fresh grated ginger, and just a smidgin
> > of powdered cinnamon.
> >
> > I nearly always add cinnamon to mexican or Italian. Used sparingly, it
> > "brightens" the flavor and adds a subtle touch.
> >
> > And yes, the tacos were delicious! I ate them over two days and my
> > house mate loved them too.
> >
> > Served with fresh sliced leaf lettuce, chopped roma tomatoes, shredded
> > cheddar jack cheese and a can of sliced black olives.
> >
> > I've also gone to using the pre-formed crispy taco shells instead of
> > frying my own. I really really do like those better!
>
> I always cheat since I really don't like taco shells. I make what I call
> Mexican hamburger helper.
>
> I brown 1 lb of ground beef with a diced onion, garlic (to taste), 2 chopped
> jalapeños, cayenne pepper (to taste), pinch of salt and fresh ground black
> pepper in olive oil. Once the meat is browned I add a 1/2 cup of low sodium
> beef broth, 1 sm. can of rotel tomatoes, 2 table spoons of salsa (your
> favorite), crushed red pepper if you like it a little hotter. I let this
> cook down till the broth is about gone then mix with elbow noodles and add
> cheese when serving. I is better the next day as left overs as well. My wife
> and kids love this about once a week.

That does sound good. :-)

Try topping that with a little sour cream and sliced black olives.

Black olives are _magic_ with mexican food IMHO.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

Karen wrote:
> Do very many people measure spices when making tacos? Don't most people
> just open each spice and pour some in?
>
> Karen

I never measure any spices or seasonings, so when I write a recipe out,
I have to guesstimate how much I use.
-L.

"Dieter Zakas" > wrote in message
...
> Hi, Group! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like forever. How are all
> of
> you?
>
> Me, I'm pleased to announce that in July, I will become an uncle; my
> sister,
> who is two years my junior, is pregnant with their first child.
>
> Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco Seasoning
> Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a dinner for my
> girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product because it contains
> MSG, and substances in that chemical family give her a migraine.
>
> Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet
> and
> make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions
> for
> such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
>
> Happ New Year! TIA
>
> Dieter Zakas
> --

Actually, I use Penzey's Taco seasoning, because it's just easier and it's
very tasty...and it doesn't contain MSG. I don't, however, mix with water as
they suggest. I just sprinkle it over the meat, along with some minced dried
onion, sauté a minute, then add a tiny amount of water or broth- just enough
to make sure all the meat is seasoned evenly. I don't like really wet taco
meat.
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penze...stacoseas.html

kimberly

In article <Doaxf.5222$B93.2744@fed1read07>, "Nexis" >
wrote:

> "Dieter Zakas" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi, Group! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like forever. How are all
> > of
> > you?
> >
> > Me, I'm pleased to announce that in July, I will become an uncle; my
> > sister,
> > who is two years my junior, is pregnant with their first child.
> >
> > Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco Seasoning
> > Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a dinner for my
> > girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product because it contains
> > MSG, and substances in that chemical family give her a migraine.
> >
> > Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet
> > and
> > make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions
> > for
> > such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
> >
> > Happ New Year! TIA
> >
> > Dieter Zakas
> > --
>
> Actually, I use Penzey's Taco seasoning, because it's just easier and it's
> very tasty...and it doesn't contain MSG. I don't, however, mix with water as
> they suggest. I just sprinkle it over the meat, along with some minced dried
> onion, sauté a minute, then add a tiny amount of water or broth- just enough
> to make sure all the meat is seasoned evenly. I don't like really wet taco
> meat.
> http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penze...stacoseas.html
>
> kimberly
>
>

Used with twice the amount of meat suggested, Taco Bell brand taco
seasoning mix is ok. My only issue with it is that I think it's too
damned salty!

After this past weekend's success using that Chipotle sauce, I doubt
I'll ever buy TB's mix again.

I'll have to take a look at Penzey's.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

Dieter Zakas wrote:
> Hi, Group! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like forever. How are
> all of you?
>
> Me, I'm pleased to announce that in July, I will become an uncle; my
> sister, who is two years my junior, is pregnant with their first
> child.
>
> Anyway, tonight I had a taco dinner, and used Old El Paso's Taco
> Seasoning Mix on the beef. I thought that, were I to make such a
> dinner for my girlfriend Kelly and me, I caouldn't use that product
> because it contains MSG, and substances in that chemical family give
> her a migraine.
>
> Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the
> packet and make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop
> the proportions for such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes
> they'd like to share?
>
> Happ New Year! TIA
>
> Dieter Zakas

Here is what I use in place of Old El Paso (which I do like to use also).

1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground oregano
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix well. Yield 3 tablespoons mix. Equal in strength to a 1 1/4 ounce
package of commercial taco seasoning.


--

Joe Cilinceon

On Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:17:00 -0500, Dieter Zakas
> wrote:

[taco seasoning]

>Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet and
>make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions for
>such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?

Mine's boring, but effective: a teaspoon each of cumin and chili
powder, and a pinch of salt.

serene

In article >,
serene > wrote:

> On Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:17:00 -0500, Dieter Zakas
> > wrote:
>
> [taco seasoning]
>
> >Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet and
> >make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions for
> >such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
>
> Mine's boring, but effective: a teaspoon each of cumin and chili
> powder, and a pinch of salt.
>
> serene

To how much meat?
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 12:06:08 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet
> wrote:

>In article >,
> serene > wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:17:00 -0500, Dieter Zakas
>> > wrote:
>>
>> [taco seasoning]
>>
>> >Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet and
>> >make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions for
>> >such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
>>
>> Mine's boring, but effective: a teaspoon each of cumin and chili
>> powder, and a pinch of salt.
>>
>> serene
>
>To how much meat?

I just mix that stuff together, then use it to taste (usually on some
meat-substitute stuff, not meat itself, though), then save the rest or
toss it out. Not like it's expensive.

serene

In article >,
serene > wrote:

> On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 12:06:08 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet
> > wrote:
>
> >In article >,
> > serene > wrote:
> >
> >> On Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:17:00 -0500, Dieter Zakas
> >> > wrote:
> >>
> >> [taco seasoning]
> >>
> >> >Thus, I reason I could buy MOST of the ingredients listed on the packet
> >> >and
> >> >make my own. Does anyone have any suggestions to develop the proportions
> >> >for
> >> >such ingredients, or any favorite such recipes they'd like to share?
> >>
> >> Mine's boring, but effective: a teaspoon each of cumin and chili
> >> powder, and a pinch of salt.
> >>
> >> serene
> >
> >To how much meat?
>
> I just mix that stuff together, then use it to taste (usually on some
> meat-substitute stuff, not meat itself, though), then save the rest or
> toss it out. Not like it's expensive.
>
> serene

TVP?
I've never tried that for tacos.

Is it good?
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 05:13:13 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet
> wrote:

>In article >,
> serene > wrote:

[taco seasoning]

>> I just mix that stuff together, then use it to taste (usually on some
>> meat-substitute stuff, not meat itself, though), then save the rest or
>> toss it out. Not like it's expensive.
>>
>> serene
>
>TVP?
>I've never tried that for tacos.
>
>Is it good?

My omnivore partners like it, as do I. I have also used other things
-- Morningstar Crumbles, tofu, diced/fried potatoes, beans. Potato
tacos are a normal thing in my family (my brother-in-law is from
Mexico, and he taught me to make them).

serene