Macro Monday - It's the Simple Things...

~“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Camera Critters - Least Skipper

I linked up with the Camera Critters meme.

Mexican Pizza

This is the homemade version of Taco John's Mexican Pizza. Only way better and no mystery meat!

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz.) can refried beans

1 lb. ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

1 tsp. olive oil (vegetable oil is ok too)

4 (6 inch) corn tortillas

8 oz. shredded medium cheddar cheese

Heat refried beans.

In large skillet, brown ground beef. Stir in taco seasoning.

Preheat oven to 350

Grab another large skillet and add olive oil. Let the oil heat, place one tortilla in the skillet and heat 15 seconds. Flip and heat other side 15 seconds. Repeat this with all 4 tortillas, removing them and draining them on paper towels.

After draining place one tortilla on a cookie sheet. Layer like this: tortilla, thin layer of beans, beef, cheese. Repeat layers using all 4 tortillas with last layer being a tortilla. 

Bake 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven, add cheese to top making an even coat. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese on top is melted.

Garnish with lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes (or any of your favorite toppings). 

Slice into wedges (pizza cutter works great)

*Variations: 

Add hot sauce when browning beef. (to your taste)

Instead of making layers using all 4 tortillas, make 2 separate pizzas. Bake for 10 minutes per pizza or until filling cheese is melted.

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday is a great way to just stop...and take a few minutes to smile and think of all the things, big or small that make you thankful in life. 

Here are a few things I am thankful for today:

~Family~ John's mom and sister came for a visit. I simply adore them both.

 Family of Geeks!

 

~Friends~ I am thankful to have real friends, that I can talk to and rely on. I see so many lonely people on social networks talking about things much better said in private (have they NO shame? Or are they just that dense/lonely?) I can't imagine not having someone (or even just a diary people!). My friends are my lifelines! 

~Pugs~ Have you ever met a pug that wasn't just the cutest, funniest dog ever? That's our Dexter...

~Spencer and School~ Spencer started the 3rd grade today. He was SO excited. I am thankful, so thankful, he is. Hoping for the best day for him today.

What are you thankful for? Keep smiling; it's almost Friday!

Wordless Wednesday - Pacific Ninebark

Lazy Girl Skillet Pork Chops

Recipe from onecrazymomma.com

Ingredients:

6 to 8 pork chops (any type)

oil or butter (I always use olive oil)

garlic, (one clove-pressed or 1 tsp. dried minced)

onion, (small raw-chopped/diced or 1 tsp. dried)

broth (beef or chicken), separated

flour

Heat oil or butter in large skillet. Add garlic and onion.

Add pork chops and brown on both sides. Cover with can of broth (minus 1/4 cup, set aside). Combine 1/4 cup of set aside broth with flour until thickened. Add broth/flour mixture to skillet and mix in. 

Reduce heat to simmer and cover. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

To stay in the Lazy Girl fashion, I used baked potatoes and canned green beans for sides.

Macro Monday - Purple Alyssum

Taken in my friend Tammy's most amazing flower garden.