Everyone has their own style of cooking. Some use exact measurements and recipe to the letter. Some go to culinary school or train from another person. Most learn from family members.

I learned by doing! I did get tips from people during the way. My grandmother was the best at teaching me how to "tame" spices and make them blend. I have also picked up tricks from TV food shows. But the best way was just to experiment!  If it taste good...then it is OK!

I will admit that there have been a few times a mix and match of certain spices did not work, but you learn from mistakes. You get right back into the kitchen and try again.

Hopefully I can share some ideas to help you spice up your menu. The same old menu everyday can get boring. Your taste buds beg for a change. Food should be pleasurable and fun.

I will be adding recipes to this site and would like to hear from you with your  ideas also. Maybe someone will like one of my creations or see an easier way to make a meal. Input from viewers is appreciated. We can learn from each other.

Be patient while I get this site up and running. I plan to make it easy and fun for us all.

 I will be updating this page from time to time with more information, tips and recipes. Be sure to subscribe so you will not miss out on new material.

If you do enjoy any of the recipes, please let me know. Thank you!

The Fireworks Burger

I love a good hamburger! I have been searching for the best recipe for the “perfect” hamburger. For those who like the hot and spicy side of food, it is hard to find that hamburger to satisfy your taste buds. I have created this recipe for the hot & spicy lover. Spices can be adjusted to personal taste.

Ingredients:

½ lb hamburger meat – ground chuck

Jumbo hamburger bun

Pepper Jack cheese

Lettuce

Zucchini

Onion

Mayo

Mustard

“Mazetta” Habanera sauce

Diced jalapenos or jalapeno relish

Chili powder

Dried minced garlic

Chipotle powder

Cajun seasoning (Western Sizzle Cajun Cowboy is best-it has  cajun and Italian spices mixed)

Salt

Black pepper

Virgin olive oil

Preparation:

While the zucchini and onion is preparing, make your ½ lb hamburger patty with a ½ tsp of dried minced garlic and tsp. of diced jalapenos or jalapeno relish mixed in the meat.  Place HB in pan and turn heat to medium. No oil is needed since the hamburger meat makes its own when cooking.

Sprinkle the top of the hamburger with the following spices: Chili powder, chipotle powder and Cajun seasoning to cover the top of the patty. The amount of these spices should be judged by your taste. I normally give a covering of each of these. Cover the pan to cook.  This prevents grease splatter and helps with both sides cooking at once.

When the hamburger patty is almost ready, flip the patty and add the pepper jack cheese and recover with lid until the cheese is melted.

Prepare the hamburger buns. Spread Mayo or mustard on buns. I like to use both.  On the top bun add the habanera sauce to taste.

Place the hamburger patty on bottom bun and add the sautéed onions. Lay zucchini on top of onions. Add tomato, lettuce and salt/pepper to taste.

Note: You can also grill your hamburger with the same recipe.

In today’s busy world, we try to fix a meal as quick as possible. With so much going on, who has spare time for proper preparation for cooking?

If you enjoy good food, time is essential in preparing some meals. Meals that include sauces really need time for the sauce to meld all the ingredients together to get that fabulous taste. I prefer to make a sauce and let it set for several hours at least, if not overnight. Take the time to get the best taste you can from a meal. You might get a sauce that is OK, when it is quickly prepared and served right away, but if the proper time is taken, you will get a wonderful meal instead. You are missing out when you cook too fast.

What a satisfying feeling to make a meal that has the family and friends begging for more or the recipe?

 Everyone has there own salsa they make, but I have one that can be used several different ways. I use this as a dip for chips or deep fried taquito. Can also be used as a covering for mexican casserol dishes.

Ingredients:

4 cups-Salsa (your choice of brand or homemade)

2 cups-Sour Cream

1/2 cup-Guacamole

4.5 oz-Chopped Green Chilies

1/2-tsp. Cayenne Powder

1/2-tsp. Chipoltle Powder

1-tsp. Chili Powder

1-tsp. Garlic Powder

For extra heat--1 or 2 tsp. of Mazetta Habanero Sauce

Prep:

Mix the salsa, sour cream and guacamole in a large mixing bowl until blended. Add all the spices to the mixture and stir well. Cover bowl and chill for at least a few hours. Much better the longer you let it sit.

It is simple and tasty! Try it.

Extra:

I like to take a box of Taquitos (beef or chicken) and while still frozen, cut each one into 3 pieces. Heat up a deep fryer to the highest setting until hot. Drop the Taquito pieces into the hot grease for about 1 1/2-2 minutes. Remove and serve with the Recipe for the Salsa above for an appetizer or snack. 

• Mexican Italian Casserole- For those who enjoy Mexican food and Italian food. I have found a way to combine the ingredients of both to create this fabulous dish. You can make it spicy or hot &spicy. Great for pot-lucks and larger dinners to share with family and guests.
• Easy Asian Teriyaki Noodle Meal-For those who want a quick, easy and inexpensive meal. This is a throw -together meal I created and now I use it as a main course for family guests when I am in the mood for Asian or Chinese meals. It is very easy to make.
• Macaroni Cheese Taco Bake Casserole-This is a great casserole dish for potlucks or family gatherings. Easy to make and easy on the family budget. You will be the talk of the day with this fabulous meal. Incorporate, the always a favorite, Macaroni & Cheese dinner and add a Mexican flavor to create a casserole you will be making over and over again. Your family and guests will be asking for your recipe after they have tried this delicious treat.

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