kfamily Taco Boats

Intro:

To get the kids to eat my home cooking I frequently use creative names to help stimulate their appetite. It also help's them from instantly forming a negative opinion from trying something new like Chicken 'Cordon Blue' or 'Kiev'. Taco boats are tacos shells cooked to form shapes such as a baskets or balloons that can hold the taco fixens'.

Here's what I use:

12 Corn Taco Shells

1/2 Gallon Corn Oil (Reusable)

Sirloin 3/4lb. (Left over Chicken works just as well)

Low Salt Off the shelf taco mix or Hunter Fajita Spice

Fixens can include:

1 cup Cheddar Cheese Grated

2 medium size Tomatoes (Cut into small pieces)

Off the shelf chunky Salsa

dab of Sour Cream

some Lettuce

Here's what I do:

Marinade the Sirloin in the Spice mix with the liquid recommended on the package or ½ Cup Oil mixed with 1 to 2 Tablespoons of Lemon and/or Lime juice, for 1 hour. (See Image 1). During this time I grate the cheese and cut the tomatoes. After Marinating the Sirloin (or boneless skinless chicken breast can be substituted).

Heat the corn oil Medium High in a deep fryer or pan - The deeper the better shapes you can make. I usually prepare some corn chips while the meat is marinating. (See image 2).

For taco boats, use tongs laying a taco shell on top of the hot oil. Push down the middle of the taco into the hot oil until it holds it's shape with the ends of the taco floating up. (See Image 3). When hard (but not burnt) remove from oil and allow oil to drain into pan, then set on paper towels to soak up excess oil. (See Image 4). Watch the temperature of the oil to not get to high, I usually turn it down to Medium - Medium High after the first few tacos.

Fry or BBQ the meat until light pink in the middle (or for chicken no pink),cut it into 1/4" by 1/2 to 1 long strips. (See Image 5). Set all of the fixens on the dinner table. Take taco to the table and fill with any combination of fixens. We like to microwave cheese in the taco boat for 25 seconds to melt it before filling. (See Image 6). Serve with Refired Beans, Spanish Rice, a salad, and your own home made chips with guacamole. (See Image 7).

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