Today is Baked Alaska Day (why in the dead of winter?), Dark Chocolate Day, and my favorite – National Texas Day. There is something about Texas that strikes a cord with most Americans. It’s an attitude, a fierce defiance and independence Americans admire.
Hubby and I have had an eye on Texas for a while. It’s where we hope to retire some day. Why Texas? Why not? Part of it is politics, but not everything. According to Forbs Magazine’s 25 best places to retire, Texas holds the 20th spot with San Antonio and the 8th spot with College Station (home to Texas A&M). Forbes sights cost of living, taxes (no state taxes in Texas) and an abundance of doctors. Hum, medical care never entered my though process. But as we age, I suppose that would be important.
So what is it about Texas that appeals to us? The weather (it‘s warm most of the time), the people (with a strong sense of community pride) and the food. Shows where our priorities lay.
What can I say? Texas we salute you! And hey, these Tater Tot-chos would make an amazing Game Day Dish for the upcoming Super Bowl. Thanks Texas!
Tater Tot-chos
28 oz Mini Tater Tots
1 lb Ground Beef
3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
1/4 cup Taco Sauce
1/4 cup Beef Stock
2 firm Roma Tomatoes
1 cup shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
4 tablespoons Diced Nacho Jalapenos
1/2 cup Sour Cream
Bake Tater Tots according to package directions. Keep warm until ready to serve.
While the Tater Tots are cooking, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles as it cooks. Add spice to the pan, stir in to absorb some of the grease and flavor the meat. Drain well, return meat to the skillet. Stir in taco sauce and beef stock. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
While the meat cooks, dice the tomatoes and set aside. If the Nacho Jalapenos aren’t diced, now would be the time to do that little quick prep as well.
Remove tater tots from oven, run a spatula under the tots to make serving easy. Sprinkle tots with meat mixture, cheese and Nacho Jalapenos. Place under the broiler for a minute or two for the cheese to melt.
Remove from oven. Scatter tomatoes over the top, serve with sour cream to garnish as desired. Yum!
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 
Out of all the places I’ve ever lived, Texas was my favorite. It will always have a very special place in my heart. So many amazing memories and special, lifelong friends. If you ever have a chance to move there, do it in a heartbeat. Just prepare yourself because everywhere you go. Everything is Texas shaped. I may or may not have a Texas shaped waffle maker.
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I can believe it! We’ve had friends over the years that were originally from Texas and everything in their house was shaped like Texas. You can take a person out of Texas, but you cannot take Texas out of that person!
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That quote sums it up pretty well!
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