On a more positive note: Taco Night!

Tonight I made tacos, because we've been craving Mexican and it's unfortunately very expensive cuisine here in Montclair (I'm talking $15 fish tacos here).

Here is a good recipe that's easy and fast, from my favorite recipe book "Easy Meals in Minutes." Put on some Mambo Tropicana and you're in business!

Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa

4 servings

Ingredients:
1 small onion
3 tbs olive or other vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed through a press
1/2 lb lean ground beef
Half a 14 1/2-oz can stewed tomatoes, drained
Half a 4-oz can of chopped mild green chiles, drained
2 tbs chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 small green bell pepper
1 medium fresh tomato
3 scallions
1/4 cup cilantro sprigs (optional)
2 tbs red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 drops hot pepper sauce
2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce (about 6 leaves)
12 taco shells

1. Coarsely chop the onion.

2. In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the mixture begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Crumble in the beef and cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Add the stewed tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 tsp of the oregano and the cayenne, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

5. Coarsely chop the bell pepper, fresh tomato and scallions. Finely chop the cilantro (if using).

6. In a small bowl, combine the bell pepper, tomato, scallions, cilantro, the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the vinegar, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon oregano, the black pepper and hot pepper sauce.

7. Shred the lettuce.

8. Fill each taco shell with 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and top with shredded lettuce. Top the tacos with salsa or serve it on the side.

Do-ahead: The beef mixture and salsa can both be made ahead.

Values are approximate per serving: Calories: 446 Protein: 12 gm Fat: 29 gm Carbohydrates: 36 gm Cholesterol: 43 mg Sodium: 316 mg