Lotsa Mexican

     In our house, Mexican food is considered anything with beans, rice, tortillas, salsa or a combination thereof. We have a couple of favorites, ones that we have in our minds perfected so I am going to whisper quietly in your ear the secret to good mexican food...Lard! Just kidding no lard, but these are our sort of secret recipes so enjoy.

     Shrimp (or fish) Tacos


Any boxed frozen yummy shrimp or fish (ex. tortilla crusted tilapia, firecracker breaded shrimp)
Corn/wheat/homemade whatever tortillas
Optional canned and rinsed black beans 
1 recipe mango salsa
1 recipe zesty 'slaw
Optional guacamole


Prepare Shrimp/fish according to box. Prepare mango salsa, zesty slaw and/or guacamole. Heat tortillas and serve. The above and below ingredients make enough for about 3 adults so adjust as needed (that is why I have lots of "about" as you can increase amount for more servings or keep the first number for less servings)


     Mango Salsa


1-2 mangos diced
1/4-1/2 jalepeno diced super tiny
1/4-1/2 red pepper diced
about 1 lime partially zested and juiced
1-2 green onions diced


Mix all ingredients and mash some of the mango slightly, then put in the fridge to macerate (let juices combine and flavors work together) for about 30 min.


     Zesty Slaw


1/4-1/2 green cabbage cut thin and fine
bunch of cilantro chopped
a little lime juice
about 2-4 tsp coleslaw dressing, add more or less to your liking
pepper


Mix thoroughly and also chill til ready to serve.


     Our Guacamole


2 avocados (ripe) and mashed
About 1/2 tsp each dried garlic, onion, pepper and heavy dash salt. Drizzle about 1/2 tsp canola oil. Mix well and add some finely chopped tomato if desired






     Mexican Chicken Salads


Any leftover chicken, canned chicken, or 4-5 chicken tenders (or breasts if more needed) cooked in a little oil and butter with pepper, salt, cumin, garlic, and onion to taste
1 can black, pinto, or red beans (we prefer black for these) rinsed and warmed
1 c. or so cooked rice     (optional to prepare the black bean and rice boxed mixes like Zataran's to make this step easier and give better seasonings)
About 3 c. chopped romaine or other preferred lettuce or combo thereof
Bottled salsa
1/2 c. shredded cheddar, canned parmesan depending on preference
Bag of tortilla chips
1 tomato diced
1 recipe lime caesar dressing
extra cilantro to top


Layer beans and rice, lettuce, crushed tortilla chips, chicken, tomato, salsa, cheese, and lime caesar to taste. enjoy! Again, above amount is for about 3 adults, extra for kids burritos etc.


     Lime Caesar Dressing


Any super yummy lowfat bottled caesar dressing (I am all about ease here)
use about half the bottle, mix well with...
1 lime zested and juiced
extra pepper to taste
bunch cilantro finely chopped (reserve extra to throw on top of the salad)