The Big Sister cannot stand the taste of vegemite.
The Little Sister won't eat peanut butter.
Finding a meal that they both like is like getting 4 numbers and a sup on your Saturday night lotto ticket; its not life changing but it certainly makes things easier.
One of the things I've noticed about feeding my family is that the kids are always more likely to enjoy something they've had a hand in making. Whether they've been involved from the outset (and the kitchen is covered in the flour) or they've constructed their own dinners just before serving, they're always appreciative of their own handiwork.
I think it stems from the fact that my kids really have little control over the happenings in their lives. "Get in the car, we're late for school" "Thursday is swimming day." "You can't eat ____, it's too close to dinner." So I like to give them them semblance of choice when I can.
Tacos are a perfect example. The Little Sister likes lettuce on the bottom of her taco. The Big Sister prefers to eat her tomato off her plate not *in* her taco. It's a little thing, but they feel like they're in control and requests for seconds have become so regular, I've started making a double batch.
Buying taco seasoning is expensive. I did the maths. A sachet of taco spice mix in the supermarket is $66/kilo. It's a pricey way to pay for 30g of spices, many of which you likely have in your pantry already.
how to make taco seasoning
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 5 meals
Making your own taco seasoning is easy and more economical than buying store-bought; but the best part is you can avoid the unwanted "added extras" and tailor the flavour to suit your family.
Ingredients
¼ cup chilli powder
3 tbs cumin
1 tbs salt
1 tbs paprika
1 tbs crushed chilli flakes
1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Combine the chilli powder, cumin, salt, paprika, chilli flakes, pepper, oregano leaves, garlic and onion powders in an airtight jar.
When making tacos, use 1 tablespoon to 500g of mince.
Courses Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
The other thing I noticed about packet taco seasoning? The major ingredient of many brands is maize - they're bulking up the packet with dried corn and we're paying a premium for it! It's worth remembering that there's no filler when you make your own taco seasoning. I suggest you start with one tablespoon per 500g of mince, taste, then add more if needed.
None of us construct tacos the same way. Bearhands spreads sour cream on his shell before loading it with mince. I'm a lettuce, mince, beans, salsa, guacamole, cheese woman (with or without the shell, depending on how I'm feeling).
how do you make your tacos?
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