Chili Cheese Casserole

Also known at our house as Leftover Tacos Casserole, Mama used to make a version of this for us when we were growing up. There are so many ways of doing this, so I will just share with you how Mama used to do it. You can certainly use your imagination and what you have in your refrigerator or pantry to make your own version of this yummy and quick supper dish.

Into a casserole pan, sprinkle a bag of Fritos or corn chips and break them up a bit. Over the corn chips, pour a can or two of Chili, with or without meat. If you have leftover taco meat, rice, or refried beans, sprinkle that over the beans. Top with any combination of: sliced olives, sliced pickled jalapenos, taco sauce (we like Taco Bell Mild Sauce), chopped onion, or salsa. Then top with lots of shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Serve with more taco sauce, guacamole and/or sour cream. A simple lettuce and tomato salad along side makes a great and healthy supper! Yumm!

Removing Sticky Labels

I was given these two lovely bottles that had really stuck-on labels, both front and back. If you have ever gone to a store like Ace, looking for something to store a liquid, like syrup or flavored oil or vinegar in, you will know how expensive it is to purchase something like this! I hate wasting something so useful, so I have found a way to salvage lovely glass and plastic that have nasty sticker residue adhered to it.

The magic potion is Goo Gone. You can find it at most hardware stores. Soak the offending paper part of the label off of the item you are wanting to clean. If, as in this case, under the paper label there is a plastic very firmly adhered to the glass, you will find a short-bladed, sturdy knife to be a great help to remove the super-adhered plastic. Once all that remains on the bottle is sticky residue, spray it liberally with Goo Gone. Let is sit about 5 minutes to work it's magic. Then scrub with a fine plastic scratcher (I use an old glass stovetop scratcher). When all the sticky goo has been loosened, apply an ample amount of dish soap to the scratcher and clean off all the oily Goo Gone (it is essentially orange solvent, and consequently very oily). After a good rinse and a thorough drying, you have a lovely $12 bottle out of recycled glass.

Trying A New Salad

My mom and I like to try new recipes. A

couple of years ago, she found this salad dressing and brought it home. The next day she called me and told me she wanted to try the recipe that was on the back label, and so would I please get the necessary ingredients, come over and make it, and have it for lunch with her?

Usually, I am not much for eating cold beans, but I am always willing to try something once. So we made this salad and had it, with some crackers for lunch. I do not know if it is the combination of avocado with the cumin, or just the way the Cilantro Lime Dressing works with all the other ingredients. Whatever it is...

his salad really Works! It's a great option for a meatless lunch, or a great side to go with chicken. Do, however, keep in mind that the avocado should not be added until right before you eat it. Brown avocado does absolutely nothing for an appetite!

We made this with Stonewall Kitchen Cilantro Lime Dressing. But there are several other brands of Cilantro Lime Dressing on the store shelves...no doubt any one of them will work just as deliciously!