Warning: parts of this post might be a little on the bummer side.
Oh Niecy Nash. You have inspired me more than you know. I just found out that she left "Clean House" and am in the middle of watching the last episode. I have a feeling that people either love Niecy or would rather watch "Aliens Invaded My Uterus and Now I Am Having a E.T. Baby," however I am in the first category. Besides the above quote (which I plan on using with my kids) watching "Clean House" was one of the things that helped me and, hopefully, my sister get through the MOUTAINS of stuff that my Dad left us.
Time after time, the show would feature people who were unwilling to get rid of stuff mainly because it belonged to a loved one who passed away. Niecy would always tell them "just because you are getting rid of [usually horrible ugly piece of furniture] does not mean you are getting rid of the memory of that person." Truer words were never spoken and helped me sell, donate and give away more stuff than you can imagine. My Dad loved collecting antiques from Europe and the U.S. with plans of opening an antique store when he retired. He had a four bedroom house filled with cool and unique items that overwhelmed me and sis. Actually "overwhelmed" seems a bit of an understatement considering at the time I lived in a two bedroom apartment and she lived in a house with two roomies that the Keebler Elves would have been all "this place is tiny!!!" We are actually still getting rid of stuff 5 years later. I decided that I would keep items that either reminded me of my childhood or were just very cool. Not all of it is practical (giving sideways dirty look to large carousel horse) but what can you do.
Also, every time I watch the show I want to get rid of more stuff and clean my house. So I would like to thank Niecy and her Clean House crew for their motivation, inspiration and . . . something else with an "ation."
And Taco Pie was for dinner tonight. Served with refried beans and salad. I think it may take the place of Mexican Lasagna as the go to Mexican dish in this house.
Taco Pie (adapted from http://http//www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/impossibly-easy-taco-pie/cad8267c-2cb0-4dc2-b6e7-9c57a9575430?WT.mc_id=taf_recipe_BC)
1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken) browned, then drain
1 onion chopped up (I cooked the meat with onion powder because I think onions are shifty)
1 package taco seasoning
1 can black beans (drained)
1 can corn (drained)
1 1/4 cup of milk
3 eggs
3/4 cup Bisquick
Shredded cheese (I used a cheddar blend)
Salsa
Taco sauce
Sour Cream
Preheat oven to 400. Cook meat with sprinkle of onion powder (or whatever seasoning you like, I will probably at a bit of chipotle to the next batch). Drain. Return to pan and mix with package of taco seasoning, some taco sauce and salsa (your favorite variety). I did not measure so just use your best judgment. Put in greased casserole dish. Spread on layer of beans, then corn. Mix up the eggs, milk and Bisquick in a bowl then pour over top of meat/beans/corn. Bake for 25 mintues then check to see if the middle is set and toothpick (or knife) comes out clean. I had to cook mine for another 15 minutes. Then sprinkle on some cheese and cook for 5 or 10 more minutes. I turned the broiler on at this point because I love a bubbly cheese top and broil until a lovely brown color.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, taco sauce. Pretty it up with chopped parsley or, if you are a crazy person, chopped cilantro. The reviews of the recipe give a lot of other options as well.
I also may try it with crushed tortilla chips on top. Enjoy!!
