Lord Bless This Tuesday

If today is Tuesday, there must be tacos on the menu. It’s a good thing the Lord will bless a hot mess, because these Taco Bell inspired Crunch Wrap Supremes are just that – one hot mess.

While shopping in the grocery store for all the ingredients we bought the Stand and Fill taco shells first. I placed them in the top portion of our shopping basket. Hubby (bless his heart) put them in the lower part. I explained that I wanted the shells is easy reach for when we reached the end of the aisle, where the floured tortillas were. Why? He asked. To get the right size. Are you opening the box? No. But I want to compare the box to the tortillas. We did – with a disagreement as to which way the hard shells might be in the box. We went with his way (which was wrong), and I picked out my favorite brand of flour tortillas (my mistake). When using just the tortillas, I don’t care much for the Mission brand – they are thick, and I like a thinner tortilla – more filling, less wrap. However; for the Crunch Wrap Supreme, a thicker tortilla was definitely in order. The thinner ones started to separate into even thinner layers, if that were even possible.

When the night came to finally make the Tacos, so many things went wrong. First there was the size of the flour tortillas – way, way too big. Instead of cutting them into smaller circles, the lazy side of me went for squares – stack ‘em up and use the pizza cutter. Not my smartest move.

I spread everything out on the counter, ready to start cooking. With any luck, I’d have it all done before my guys got home. There was an event at the Church I really wanted to be a part of but we HAD to eat first. If we ate afterwards, it would be way, way too late. I was in a rush. Second mistake.

To make it strike three, our landlord showed up with a fellow to measure the windows for new screens. We’ve been living here for 8 years with screens missing from the dining room windows and front bedroom. Now that the government is inspecting rental properties, they have to meet a certain code. Screens on the windows is a must. Which also meant my prep work stopped midway. There are some things you can prep so far and stop, others it’s not a good idea. Third mistake was stopping at a critical point.

So while these Taco Bell Inspired Crunch Wrap Supremes might not take any blue ribbons in appearance, they were delicious all the same. Wishing everyone a beautiful, blessed day just as the Lord intended.

Taco Bell Inspired Crunch Wrap Supremes
1-1/2 tablespoons Masa Flour
1-1/2 tablespoons New Mexican Chili Powder
1-1/4 teaspoons dried Minced Onion
3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
3/4 teaspoon Seasoning Salt
3/4 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/4 teaspoon Sugar
2 lbs Ground Beef
3/4 cup Beef Stock
1 can Refried Beans
10 taco-size Flour Tortillas
10 hard Taco Shells
1 cup shredded Milk Cheddar Cheese
1/2 head Iceberg Lettuce
2 firm Roma Tomatoes
3/4 cup Sour Cream or as desired
Taco Sauce as desired

In a bowl stir together Mesa Flour, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Seasoning Salt, Paprika, Cumin, Sugar and dried Minced Onions. Set mixture aside until ready to use.

Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet and brown, breaking up the meat well as it cooks. Remove from the heat. Dump the meat into a strainer, press off any excess grease. Rinse meat under hot water, then drain off the water and return the beef to the pan. Stir in the spice mix and the beef stock. Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, until most of the moisture has cooked away. Remove from heat before the meat is completely dry.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 350-degrees and warm refried beans.

Place flour tortillas on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide refried beans among the tortillas. Place a corn shell in the center of each tortilla, gently press to adhere, lifting the sides of the tortilla up so the taco is standing upright. Spoon a few tablespoons of meat filling into each shell. Place in the oven to warm through.

While the meat filled shells warm, shred lettuce. Cut tomatoes, remove and discard seeds, then dice tomatoes and set aside.

Remove Crunch Wraps from the oven. Top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and sour cream. Add taco sauce if desired. Serve and let the Margaritas flow.

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In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do Your will, O my God, is my delight,
and Your law is within my heart!
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.