Pecan Pie Mini-Muffins

We recently had these after Michael's grandfather's funeral.  I thoroughly enjoy them, but Michael was obsessed!  Luckily, Michael's aunt knew the lady who had made them and got us the recipe. 

Pecan Mini Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2/3 cup butter melted (not margarine)
• 2 eggs beaten

Directions:
In a bowl combine brown sugar, flour, and pecans. Set aside.
In another bowl combine butter and eggs. Mix well (I wisk together).
Stir butter and egg mixture into flour mixture. Fill greased mini muffin
cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Remove immediately to cool
on wire racks.
( I use dark colored muffin tins)

Baked Tacos

When I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I knew I had to make it.  Tacos are a regular at our house.  Everytime the Old El Paso taco kits are on sale at Publix by one get one I stock up.  This recipe includes some of my other favorite Mexican foods including refried beans and green chilies. 

The case:
Baked Tacos (Adapted from Mom I'm Hungry) 
Taco Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Baked Tacos

•  2 lbs ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 1 small can diced green chilies
• 1 (8 ounce) can low sodium tomato sauce 
• 1 (16 ounce) can fat free refried beans 
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese mix
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Taco sauce (as much as desired)
• Taco Shells

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
2. In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess liquid. Return to pan, add chilies, refried beans, tomato sauce, sour cream, taco sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. 
3. Spoon the taco meat mixture into the taco shells and place into a baking dish, standing up. Sprinkle cheese over the top of the taco meat in each shell. Place into the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tacos are heated through.
   Remove from the oven and top with any optional condiments for serving. 

The ruling:
I really, really liked these.  Michael felt they needed more spice, so next time I am going to double the taco seasoning.