M is for Macaroni and Mexican...

    There were 6 people in our family when I was growing up. Momma, Daddy, 2 growing boys and 2 girls (and us girls could eat just as much as the boys could) So my mom was always looking for ways to stretch the food budget. This was a good one to make to help that out. The ring presentation may have made an appearance the first time, but after that it was just dump it all together and dish it out. She had four hungry kids, who were more interested in eating than looking.

Artwork by Pamela Jo

Macaroni Mexicaine

Ingredients:

1 (8oz) pkg  elbow macaroni
1 lb      ground beef
½ c      chopped onion
2 Tbs   butter or margarine
1 tsp    salt
1 Tbs   flour
1 c       water
2 c       canned tomatoes
1 c       diced celery
2 Tbs   chili powder
2          bay leaves crumbles
¼ c      chopped parsley

Directions:

   Saute the onion in butter.  Add beef and salt.  Continue to cook until browned.  Add the flour to the
water and mix well.  Pour into beef mixture and cook until thickened.  Put in the tomatoes, celery,
chili powder and bay leaves.  Cover and cook until well done.  Add parsley 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
   Cook macaroni according to package directions.  Drain and make a ring on platter.  Pour meat mixture into the center and serve.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Artwork by Pamela Jo

Okay so it is an international meal...Italian and Mexican..


This would be great to serve this in don't ya think.

Jalapeño Cornbread with Ground Meat

   If you like cornbread, you will love this.  This casserole is not only very filling, it looks great when you plate it up.  You can serve it alone or with a side order of your favorite style of beans and guacamole.  Now that is a full meal.  Cue the Mariachi band.  Dinner is on the table.

Jalapeño Cornbread with Ground Meat


Ingredients:

1 lb hamburger meat
1 package taco seasonings, or chili powder
1 large can cream style corn
1 cup yellow corn meal
1 cup milk
¼ cup bacon drippings
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
2 eggs
grated cheese
1 large onion, chopped
5 canned jalapeños, chopped

Directions:
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
   Combine corn meal, milk, eggs, salt, bacon drippings, and corn in medium bowl.  Mix well and set aside.
   Mix taco seasonings or chili powder with hamburger meat.  Brown meat in skillet and drain on paper towel.  Pour half of cornbread battter into well greased baking dish.  Add meat, sprinkle with onion and jalapeño over meat.  Sprinkle some of the cheese on rest.  Top with remaining cornbread batter.  Bake about 45 minutes in preheated oven.  Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over top after about 25 minutes of cooking time.

Notes:  If using cornbread mix leave out the baking soda.

                                   Now that is a real call to the table...

Tamale Pie

   This a quick casserole and is very good.  Beans and cornbread, what could be better.  I have made it as written with pork n beans, as well as with chili beans or Ranch style beans.  It turned out good with any of them.  Don't forget the vinegar it does make a difference in the taste.  If you use an 8 x 8 pan the cornbread will rise over the top of the casserole dish, but will not overflow.












Tamale Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb hamburger
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup onion, chopped
2 cans pork and beans
½ cup catchup
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 tsp chili pepper
½ package (12 oz) corn muffin mix
1/3 cup milk
1 egg

Directions:
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
   Brown hamburger, celery, and onion in skillet.  Drain off grease.  Add beans, catchup, vinegar and chili pepper.  Heat thoroughly.  Pour into a casserole dish.  Combine muffin mix, milk, and egg.  Spread over top of baking pan.  Bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven.

Did someone say Tamale?