New Recipe: Our Favorite Taco Salad

And, just like that.... Christmas was GONE!

After all that shopping, all that wrapping, and all that anticipation, it vanishes so quickly!

Trampoline Fun

We had a great time here in Virginia.  My niece and nephew proved themselves to be EVEN cuter than last year at Christmas time.

Before opening presents...

Our little Hugh Hefner in his Star Wars pajamas

But, now, it's time to get serious... and to get back on track.  I've got one more day until I travel home.  Once I get home, the Y and I will be friends once again.  Working to burn all the extra calories from a midnight snack of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy... and all the cocktail weinies I ate at a friend's Christmas party.


Until then, I offer you one of my family's FAVORITE recipes. We ate it on Christmas Eve; we ate it on the Cape this summer.  We always eat it!


It's simple.  It's easy.  It's a crowd-pleaser.  You'll love it!

PAULA DEEN'S TACO SALAD

Hey Y'all, This is the ONLY known butter-free Paula Deen recipe in existence.

I heard you gasp.  I know, I know.  When you think of Paula, you think of decadent, Southern, butter-dripping delights... but this one is COMPLETELY butter-free and can be made healthy!  I promise, you're safe!


If you're feeling slug-like and glued to the couch, this is an easy recipe to help you feed your remaining guests and feel like you're still indulging (even though you're not.)


Below you'll find our very own healthified adaptation of this tasty salad.

PAULA DEEN'S TACO SALAD

Adapted from Food Network

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 8 oz. reduced fat cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 heads romaine lettuce, washed, drained and torn
• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey, browned, crumbled, drained, and rinsed
• 1 cup light Catalina salad dressing
• 1 can kidney beans, drained (optional)
• 1 (7-ounce) bag Baked Doritos
• 1 cup salsa

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the tomatoes, cheese, onion, lettuce, and ground beef in a large bowl. Add the salad dressing and mix well. Just before serving, add the Baked Doritos, tossing to combine with other ingredients. Top each serving with salsa and kidney beans. Serve in bowls.