Mexican Lasagna

One of the staples in our house. This is sooooo easy & very yummy!

6 Simple Ingredients:
Rice (any kind you like. You can even use 90 Second Rice or another pre-flavored kind, just skip the canned tomatoes then!) Make 4 servings' worth.
Mexican Stewed Tomatoes
Corn Tortillas (white or yellow will work the same) Don't know how many, just keep the bag handy!
Enchilada Sauce (I prefer Old El Paso Medium or Mild) 1 can
Refried Beans (you can make your own if you have the time) 1 can
Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Mexican mix, or whatever floats your boat) 2 cups (more if you like)

Prepping the Goodies:
Start the rice cooking (according to the directions on the package). *Use the liquid from the tomatoes as part of the water you use to cook the rice!*
Meanwhile, throw the tomatoes in either a blender or food processor & chop 'em up.

Once the rice is finished cooking completely (after it has set), add the tomatoes.
Now, start layering the lasagna:
Spray the bottom of the dish you're using.
Spread tortillas to completely cover the bottom.

Then spread all of the beans on.
Cover in 1/3 of the enchilada sauce.
Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese.

Cover all that with another layer of tortillas.
Then all the rice.
Then 1/3 of the enchilada sauce.
Then 1/3 of the cheese.

For the last layer...
Spread more tortillas out.
Then pour on the remaining enchilada sauce.
Then cover with the last of the cheese.
Now, on to the Cooking!:
Cook in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. That's it. Easy, huh?
How to Eat:
Really, you need sour cream. Guacamole & some pico would be a great addition too. But, if you're like me, you're throwing this together 'cause it's what you have left when you're realllly needing to make a run to the grocery store but keep putting it off. ;) I promise, it's yummy without the extras, but it's beyond yummy with them. We did at least add a beer for him & a Parrot Bay something-or-other for me. 'Cause what's good Mexican food without alcohol?
Luke always love this. Even when I switch the recipe up & don't think it's as good as usual, he loves it. It's cheese & beans & spicy rice - what's not to love?
Meat-lover Variation:
Brown some ground beef (or turkey, or chicken) & add some taco seasoning. Then mix the beans in with the meat & use that as the first layer.

Easy Spicy Grilled Dinner

I'm baaaaaack. At least for now. ;) Here's a quick, easy, flavorful dinner idea for you.

13 Simple Ingredients:
Olive Oil (as needed)
Lime Juice
Garlic Salt
Cayenne Pepper (optional - not recommended for kiddos)
Chili Pepper
Paprika
4 tbsp Butter

Chicken breasts (or other parts) - 1 portion per diner
2 Ears of Corn on the Cob (halved & cooked in boiling water for about 8 min)
2 Squash (cut in equally thick pieces, long ways)
1 Zucchini (cut in equally thick pieces, long ways)

1/4 Large Red Onion (cut in equally thick pieces)
Flat Bread (1/2 piece per person)

Prepping the Goodies:
Marinate the chicken over night in a mix of chicken broth & lime juice. If you're like me & decide to make this at the last minute, splash 2 tbsp of lime juice on the chicken & defrost it in the microwave. :)
Then beat the crap out of it. Okay, let's just say - flatten it out pretty well, being careful not to tear it into a million pieces.
Now, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with garlic salt (LOTS of it!), cayenne (Go easy on it, I've seen bad things happen with ppl & too much cayenne - think hospital trip. Seriously.), chili powder, and paprika.
Brush the veggies all with enough olive oil to keep 'em from sticking.

For the butter:
(You will need to make more if you're serving more than 4 people.)
Soften (NOT melt), 4 tbsp of butter.
Add 1/2 tsp lemon juice,
1/2 tsp garlic salt,
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 paprika
(Throw in a pinch of cayenne for heat if you want to.)
Mix all of that up really well.

Now, on to the Cooking!
Now, put it ALL on the grill. It will all stay there on medium heat for about 20 min. Be sure to turn it after about 10 min.

(Once everything is cooked, throw the flat bread on the grill for a few minutes to warm it up.)

How to eat:
Cut the squash, zucchini, & onion into bite sized chunks.
Throw them in a serving bowl.
Add 1/2 of the butter mixture.
Stir.

Take remaining butter & spread on corn & 1 side of each piece of flatbread.
I added a dollop of sour cream for the chicken 'cause... well, why not?

Luke's response: it's pretty good. When asked if I could make it again ('cause it's SO easy) he said yes. That's a good sign from a man that wants BBQ sauce on all chicken. haha!
My thoughts? The veggies are wonderful! I didn't add cayenne to the butter 'cause I really hoped the kiddo would eat some. He didn't & I would've liked more spicy flavor on the corn personally. (The veggie mix was fine 'cause the onions added a kick.)

Meat-lover Variation:
You have got to be kidding me. That's more than enough meat for anyone! ;) But, some crumbled bacon would add a good dimension to the veggie mix.