three of my kids have been gone to camp.  it has been VERY quiet around here this week.  we have also been dog sitting for a friend with a pool...YAY!!!  so, i have been taking the youngers swimming everyday and not been very domestic.  i realized today that i had nothing to feed the troops when they came home hungry for mom's food.  i had to think of something fast, easy and yummy.  shredded beef tacos fit that bill.  we love mexican food around here.  we can NEVER have enough :)  here are the recipes for what a normal mexican dinner looks like for us.  Shredded beef tacos are one of the easiest dishes to make.  i found a similar recipe in the paper one day, but didn't have the ingredients.  so, i decided to try my own version.  the hot sauce is originally from my sweet friend stu ferguson.  he is an AMAZING cook.  i have several recipes from him that have become regulars around here.  and the guacamole is not even a recipe...so i feel kinda silly putting it on here, but i realize that some may not know how to make some....so here goes:

Shredded beef tacos

• 1 roast (any kind, cut, size--just what is on sale and will feed your family)
• 1 onion, cut in quarters
• 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and left whole
• salt and pepper
• 1 jar salsa (we SWEAR by Joe T Garcias mild sauce for this--we have tried others, but this is our fave.  use what you have or can find)

put the roast in a crock pot with onion, garlic and salt and pepper.  add 1 cup water.  Cook on whatever level you need to for your time allowed :) .  when its tender, take it out, pull it apart using 2 forks.  once shredded,  put back into crock pot (pour out the water and veggies) and combine meat and salsa.  cook another 30 minutes.

serve in tortillas, corn or flour.  we usually have available: chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa and guacamole.....

Home made salsa

• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• 1 large can rotel tomatoes
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• chopped cilantro
• juice of 1 lime
• salt and pepper to taste

what i do:  i blend the 2 cans of tomatoes slightly (you don't have to, if you and your kids like chunks--mine don't).  combine all ingredients except cilantro in a pot and bring to a boil.  lower heat and let simmer 20 minutes on low.  turn heat off and stir in cilantro.  bring out the chips :)

Guacamole

• avocados (duh)
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbl cilantro, chopped
• salt, pepper and seasoned salt
• 1 tomato, chopped
• purple onion, finely chopped ( to taste--we usually don't put it in, unless its only the big kids eating)

mash avocado, and combine all ingredients.  season to taste.  YUM!!!!!