Guest Author - Robin Rounds Whittemore
Tacos are a fun, but sometimes messy, food. When "The Partridge Family" was showing on TV, the characters of Danny and Keith used to go to the local taco stand often. Tacos are not just for the younger generation; people of all ages like them. You can truly make them your own way every time just by putting on ingredients that you enjoy. In addition, think about the vegetables that everyone is eating, and not complaining about having to eat.
If you are worried about the hard taco shell, you needn't be; tacos also come in soft shells. You can even place the taco ingredients in a regular bowl, or a taco shell bowl and have it as a salad, if you would rather be neat and eat it with a fork.
Tacos are a great buffet food as you just have to fix the ingredients and let guests help themselves to whatever they would like on their sandwich.
Some of these taco ingredients may be more familiar to you than others. They are all worth a try: Ground beef or vegetarian soy crumbles, scallions, diced tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, grated cheese, green peppers, black olives, jalapenos, and banana peppers.
You could try adding in re-fried beans, corn, and rice as well as vegetarian chicken or steak strips to make meatless tacos. Peppers of all types, black olives, tomatoes, and other vegetables would be welcome for people who choose not to eat meat.
Fish, crab, shrimp and other seafood also make great taco ingredients. You may be thinking that there is no way to make a good taco with seafood, but don't abandon ship just yet. Here is a tasty recipe that uses seafood in tacos that you just may want to try.
12 soft taco shells
1 pound small salad shrimp; peeled, deveined, and tails off
seafood seasoning; your favorite
8 ounces sour cream
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cilantro herb blend; which can be found in many produce departments
lime zest for decoration
scallions
diced tomatoes, drained or chopped fresh
Boil the shrimp as directed. Drain and place in a bowl. Sprinkle your favorite seafood seasoning to taste.
Prepare the taco shells as directed. Keep in a tortilla warmer between waxed paper.
To make the topping/bottom for the shrimp tacos, blend together 8 ounces sour cream, lime juice, and cumin.
Place the lime zest in a bowl.
Cut up the scallions and place in a bowl.
Drain the tomatoes, or dice 4 fresh tomatoes and place in a bowl.
Once all ingredients are ready to go, make your taco, and let everyone else make theirs. Enjoy!
When you make your taco, the sour cream mixture can be placed on the bottom part of the taco to hold the shrimp in the taco shell, if you would like.
If you would like a spicier sauce, you can eliminate the cilantro mix and add 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.
If you choose to also top your taco with plain sour cream or the mixture, add some lime zest on top for decoration and a little taste.
As with many sandwiches, tacos and their ingredients are influenced by your budget, taste, and imagination. Don't forget the salsa, be it mild, medium or hot!
