Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Deep-Dish Taco Squares


2 cups all-purpose baking mix
1/2 cup water
1 pound ground chuck
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 (8-ounce) jar picante sauce
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Paprika
Picante sauce (optional)

*Combine baking mix and 1/2 cup water in a medium bowl, stirring with a fork until blended.


*Press mixture in a lightly greased 11x17-inch baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 minutes.

*While crust bakes, cook beef and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat,



stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain.


Stir in jar of picante sauce; spoon over crust.


*Stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese; spoon over meat mixture, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edges. Sprinkle with paprika.


*Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Let stand 5 minutes; cut into squares.


Serve taco squares with additional picante sauce, if desired.


Recipe found in Southern Living Ultimate Quick & Easy Cookbook.

From my experience: This recipe was super easy, and versatile. I have made it again doing some different things. Because the crust was kind of bland, I used a cornbread mix the next time. I think it would work on the bottom, but I put it on top. If I use the original crust recipe, I would add some more salt or other seasoning to help it stand out a little more. Also, as you can see from the picture, I added some corn to the meat mixture. You could add all sorts of things to this layer to make it your own recipe. But I would have to say, the best part was the top cheesy layer-don't mess with that because it was awesome on it's own. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Her Best Friend's Birthday Party

Sloane's best friend, Crew celebrated his birthday with a nautical themed party. Well we just so happened to get a hand-me-down sailor style dress from my cousin Susan that Sloane had never worn-isn't that perfect?


We have this same car at home but she loves it so much, she occupied it most of the time we were all outside.


The kids fished in this boat and caught some play-doh. Here is Sloane and Crew.


The kids also decorated these hats that Crew is wearing.


Giving Crew a ride


Now Sloane's buddy, Ben gets a ride


Ben and his family moved back to California. This was also one of Sloane's first friends.


We ate cupcakes then gobbled vanilla ice cream... Sloane loved her's!


Present time!


The party was a lot of fun.