My Favorite Discoveries of 2013

So every year we uncover a few more things we never knew existed, or never knew we could enjoy here are a few of the revelations, products, and places I discovered in 2013 that I am particularly glad I found. So in no particular order...

• Downtown Detroit  - Call me crazy but it is a beautiful city! I now there are many problems for the city but it is truely an architectual marvel and an amazing city.
• Cumin - Don't get me wrong I knew it existed but had before 2013, but didn't start to really explore it's uses and enjoy it until last year!
• Garlic - Another one that I clearly knew existed but never truely loved until this past year, now I use it, a lot, and I love it. 
• I am a hell of a lot stronger than I have ever given myself credit for- 2013 was a rough year, I mean rough. Health problems, relationships ending, living paycheck to paycheck, it's been rough. I found the strength to leave an awful relationship, and I maintain leaving someone is much harder than being left. I had surgery, got glasses, and dealt with some personal medical problems I'd rather not share. Though I love, I mean love my job(s) money has been tight, I have learned to budget and make things work, and after a long search on New Years Eve I got offered my first "adult" job!
• My fitbit - This little invention has been amazing, it is like a pedometer on steroids and it syncs with my phone. It counts my steps, water intake, and calorie intake. I only use it for water and steps because the calorie counting isn't the best way for me, but it is great!
• Ground Turkey- So much better for you than ground beef and it tastes the same!
• Crock Pot Meals - Enough said.
• Mom usually does know best - As much as I have fought this and hate to admit this, my mother generally does know what she's talking about. She knows me better than anyone and generally gives pretty good advice. 
• I am a grown up - This one surprised the hell out of me. A quarter of my life is over it's time to start really doing something with my life.

I'm sure there are more, and maybe I'll do round two as I think of more things, but this is all I have for now. I am noticing most are food related, not surprising I do love food! I'd be interested to hear what you all have discovered in 2013, and what those things mean to you!

Easy and Delicious Taco Casserole

So I am a nanny (among other things) and I am lucky enough to cook for one of the families I nanny for. The mom is always finding me wonderful new recipes to make, this is one of them. I love Mexican food, at first I was a little skeptical about the sweet potatoes, and the taco casserole in general, however, let me tell you this recipe for Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is not only easy but so tastey! I recently moved and made it for my roommate and her boyfriend our first night in the apartment, they raved about it, and decided I need to cook often (what did I get myself into!). It also makes great leftovers!

Prep Time: About 10-15 minutes 

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

•  Taco Meat

•  Olive Oil (a few table spoons)
• 1 Onion
• 1 Sweet Potato
• 1 lb. Ground Turkey (or beef, I use turkey because it's healthier)
• 4-6 Cloves of Garlic (I like lots of garlic)
• 2 tsp. Oregano
• 2 tsp. Cumin
• 1/4 c. No salt added tomato paste
• 2 tsp. Paprika
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (Optional, I don't love it)
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

• Salsa Layer
• 1 (14.5 oz.) Can of Organic no salt added tomatoes
• 1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
• 1-3 Cloves of Garlic (Again, I love garlic)
• 1/2 -1 C. Fresh chopped cilantro

• Other Layers
• Corn Tortillas
• 1 (14.5 oz.) Can of Black Beans
• 1-4 C. Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (Or whatever you prefer, there are dairy free cheeses out there too!)

• Optional Toppers
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• Avacado

Instructions:

1.  Preheat Oven to 425 Degrees.
2. Prepare a baking dish by lightly brushing with Olive Oil (8x8, 9x9 or lasagna pan).
3. Dice Onion and cut sweet potato into small cubes. 

   

   Peel potato, slice, and cut into 1/2 inch (ish) cubes.

4. Heat up Olive Oil in a saute pan.
5. Add Sweet Potato and Onion to pan. Heat for 2-3 Minutes until onions become translucent.
6. Add ground turkey, garlic, oregano, cumin, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 7-10 minutes until meat is browned.
7. Set taco meat aside.
8. Chop cilantro.
9. In a separate bowl combine tomatoes, cayenne pepper, garlic, and chopped cilantro.

   

   Mixture of tomatoes, Cayenne, garlic, and fresh cilantro.

10. Set salsa layer aside. 
11. Now the fun part creating the casserole. 
12. Start by creating a bottom later with your corn tortillas.
    
13. Sprinkle half of the taco meat evenly over tortilla layer. 
    
14.  Next evenly distribute half of the salsa over the taco meat. 
    
15. After that add half of the can of black beans (undrained) for your next layer.
    
     
16. Repeat steps 12-15. 
17. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
    
18. Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. 
    
19. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes (I like to save the foil to store it, less waste).
20. Let cool, and enjoy your yummy casserole!