Homemade Taco Seasoning

Does you family like tacos? Our family loves taco salad! So the other day while scrolling through the Heavenly Homemaker's blog, I came across this recipe for homemade taco seasoning. I decided to give it a try. I made the seasoning and then whipped up a small batch of taco meat with it. It turned out SO good! My Mom and brothers loved it, and so did my Dad. This recipe is...

1. Easy to make and store

2. Healthier (no preservatives etc...)

3. Cheaper (way cheaper)

4. Tastes great! (Did I already mention that?)  :) 

So are you craving tacos or taco salad yet? :) If so, then here is the recipe...

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

1/2 cup chili powder

1/4 cup onion powder

1/8 cup ground cumin

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

1 Tablespoon paprika

1 Tablespoon sea salt

Put all ingredients into a jar and shake. Wait...put a lid on the jar...then shake. :)

Three Tablespoons of Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is equal to one 4-ounce package of taco seasoning mix.  I would recommend adding 3 Tablespoons of mix to one pound of browned ground meat for tacos.

Also, shake the jar again before each use to make sure the spices are well distributed throughout the mix.

Yep, it's that easy! :)

Microwave Chocolate Cake

Did you know that you could have delicious, homemade, warm chocolate cake in just five minutes? You can! My Aunt Sylvia sent me this recipe awhile back, but I just tried it out yesterday afternoon. I was rather surprised at how good it tasted! Not the same texture as a regular cake, but good none the less, and so quick and simple to make. 


MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE CAKE: 

Ingredients: 
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Splash of vanilla 

Preparation:
Put dry ingredients into a coffee mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract and mix again. Put the mug in the microwave and cook on high for *2 minutes. The cake may rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed. Allow to cool and tip out onto a plate if desired. 


*It may take longer to cook depending on your microwave, mine took about 2.5 minutes, and one of my cousins said it took him about 4 minutes. 


(This post is dedicated to my chocolate-loving friend, Mariah) 

Farmer's Breakfast...

Yesterday morning I tried out a new recipe. It was delicious and very simple to make. I am looking forward to making it again!

Farmer's Breakfast:

6 bacon strips, diced
2 tablespoons diced onion
3 medium potatoes, cooked and cubed
6 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towel to drain. In drippings, saute onion and potatoes until potatoes are browned, about 5 minutes. Pour eggs into skillet; cook and stir gently until eggs are set and cooked to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon; let stand for 2-3 minutes or until cheese melts. Yield: 4-6 servings

Bible Club...

On Friday afternoons, my brother Nathanael & I, teach a bible club for kids in our neighborhood. I teach the bible verse, keep track of the contest points and lead the singing, and Nathanael teaches the Bible Lesson.

(Above) Me leading singing

(Below) Nathanael teaching the lesson

This week's lesson was on the parable of the sower from Matthew chapter 13.

Today we only had three kids come, as our group has been significantly smaller than last year. Please pray that more kids will come out and hear the gospel.

I used a new recipe for the snack time this afternoon, Frosted Molasses Cookies. The frosting has a touch of ginger in it that just goes so well with the cookies. The recipe for them is below.

Frosted Molasses Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup buttermilk

FROSTING:
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 teaspoons milk
Colored sprinkles, optional

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, molasses and vanilla. Combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and allspice; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 7-9 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, cream shortening and butter. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and ginger. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Spread over cookies. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 7-1/2 dozen.

Chewy Apple Oatmeal Cookies

I really enjoy baking and trying out new recipes and my brother's have sure never been bothered by that. :)

Anyway, I tried out a new cookie recipe a couple of weeks ago and my family really likes them so I though I would share it here. The cinnamon adds a really yummy flavour to them!

Chewy Apple Oatmeal Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped apples

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in oats and apples.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 1 minute before removing to wire racks. ENJOY! Yield: 4 dozen.


P.S. I was going to post pictures, but they disapeared so fast I did not get the chance! :)