There’s really no need to explain what a taco is. Ya’ll, we’re in Texas. And that means we eat tacos here in the Lone Star state for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and, for snacks too. They are the perfect anytime food. With school in full swing it’s time to rethink family meal time and bring back Taco Tuesdays in your home. After all, Taco Tuesday is just another excuse for Texans to eat tacos. It also provides a day in the week to set aside for a fast, easy, and super delicious mealtime solution. Though this family ritual may overtake the others as a family favorite, kids do love it.
Tacos are a mouthful of satisfying flavors with its fillings and sauces taking center stage. And one food that Texans may just be addicted to. So, to keep tacos the star of the show on your family dinner table this fall we came up with five must-haves and to-dos to help you take it to the next level. Here’s how:
Equip yourself with great recipes. Though most kids are satisfied with the ground beef variety there are super yummy alternatives out there. Get creative and substitute chicken, pork, brisket, or black beans for the mainstay. Or, mix it up and use grilled steak, fish, or shrimp. The combinations are endless. For authentic, downhome recipes Jessica Dupuy’s original cookbook titled The United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State hits a homerun. And when your kids have their heart set on ground beef tacos ditch the packet mix for your very own homemade variety. We guarantee your spice rack has you covered.
Serve tantalizing complements. Here’s a secret to great tacos—queso and guacamole aren’t just for dipping chips into. Though, there are probably those that would disagree. Cheesy and creamy, and filled with just the right amount of spice these two favorite condiments can also do double duty. They’re perfect for topping tacos. To master the art of making queso pick up Lisa Fain’s book of the same name. In it the Texas native provides countless variations to one of the state’s favorite foods. Other great complements include fruit-based slaws, red and green salsas, roasted corn and black beans, and Pico de Gallo. D.L. Jardine’s Olé Chipotle Salsa and Dip works well too. Cilantro rice and refried beans are ideal for warm side dishes.
Use the right tools. Meal prep is much more fun when you have the right tools. No taco is complete without a mound of grated cheese in the center. You’ll grate cheese with ease when you use the Microplane Red Cube Grater. This small tool’s stylish exterior might fool you but it’s a powerhouse in the kitchen. Its three blades—coarse, fine, and ribbon provide multi-purpose use. A taco holder stand and a ceramic tortilla warmer are icing on the cake. For presentation serve your sauces in the Prepworks Avocado and Red Pepper Bowl Set sold at Breed & Company.
Prepare fresh ingredients. The tastiest tacos are those with fresh-cut toppings. The right knife can make all the difference in the world. And allow you to dice, cut, and slice taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, limes, and green peppers in less time.
Make a delicious dessert. Ending your taco fiesta with a fabulous dessert is easier than you think. Flavorings such as chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, and pineapple are favorite ingredients in Mexican dessert recipes. Finding the perfect recipe to satisfy your family’s sweet tooth won’t take much time. Choose from a number of delectable desserts such as churros, grilled pineapple with coconut sauce, mango and pineapple skewers, tres leches cake, sopapilla cheesecake bars, and much more.
For all your Taco Tuesday needs there’s no better place than Breed & Company. At Breed, Taco Tuesday is extra special with prepared salsas, Texas-inspired cookbooks, and handy kitchen essentials such as cheese graters and taco holders. Visit our four Austin area locations today for your next Taco Tuesday family dinner.