Mini Taco Salads...on a salad!

Mini Taco Salads...on a salad! 

Taco salad is way, way up on the list of my perfect foods.  I mean, really, what is there NOT to like about tacos?  And salad?  And any vehicle at all to carry yummy salsa and avocados and cheese to your mouth?? 

One of the downsides of gluten-free dining is the distinct lack of taco salad shells.  (Granted, this may be for the best, given how very many calories are in one of the deep-fried flour versions, but I do miss the crumbly, flaky texture and the overall awesomeness of getting to eat the bowl your salad came in.)  This experiment came about from a mid-afternoon craving and I think merits some more experimentation.  The baked corn shells are nice, but a little bit on the chewy side.  I think turning the temp up on the oven a bit would have resulted in a better texture (or pre-heating the muffin tins...hmmm....), but these were still super tasty.

GF mini taco salad bowls:
 Serves 2

6 corn tortillas, softened
greased large muffin tin

The tortillas will need to be warmed up until they are *very* flexible.  I stuck mine in the microwave for about a minute, but steaming them would likely be better (sometimes weeknight dinners are a bit on the late and rushed side at my place).  Lightly grease the muffin tins (the wider and bigger, the better) and quickly press the center of the tortillas down into the muffin tins to form a bowl.  Bake at 350-400 for 10 minutes, or until crisp.

Salad fillings, two ways:
Chicken:
1 thawed chicken breast
olive oil
juice from half a lime
salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika

Sprinkle chicken breast with lime juice and a pinch each of the seasonings.  Grill until cooked through, let rest 10 minutes, and dice.

Beef:
1/3 lb ground beef
juice from half a lime
salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika

Cook in recently vacated chicken cooking vessel whilst the chicken is having a nice little rest.  ;)

Toppings:
green pepper, sliced thinly
cherry tomatoes, halved
 avocado, chopped
green onions, sliced
cheddar, shredded
queso fresco, crumbled,
salad greens (I used about 1/3 lb for 2 people)
peach salsa
lime wedges
chipotle sour cream

I'm just going to come right out and say that this probably could have fed 3 easily, but we devoured it anyway.  Portion control fail.  It was absolutely worth the food coma that came later! 

Cheese Tasting: Caciotta di Bufala

This lovely little morsel was recommended by the cheesemonger at my favourite place at Pike Place Market to say goodbye to vast quantities of my paycheck (it may be for the best that my office is moving).  This is a buffalo milk cheese (water buffalo, that is) and had a smooth, delighful texture.  Slightly rubbery with a very gamey aftertaste and a sharp citrus nose.  I realize that sounds like a bizarre combination, but it was delicious!  The gamey taste isn't overpowering, just assertive enough to let you know this isn't cow's milk cheese.  I think this would stand up well on a cheese plate with a glass of dry red wine.  I'd love to try cooking with it, but at $35/lb it might be for special occasions only!

Pro tip:  I put the little bit left over from the tasting on a slice of bread and toasted it in the oven for homemade croutons and it was delicious!

Cheese Tasting: Sainte Haonnois

Sometimes I like going to the cheese counter and picking up something unusual.  I've found some of my very favourite cheeses that way!  This one, however, I'm going to admit looked far more appealing than it tasted.  :(  While it is hard to tell in the photo, this was a very wee little round of cheese, perhaps 1-1/2" across and 2" high, covered in a white mold rind and a light dusting of grey.

The consistency was not at all what I was expecting - chalky, fairly chewy, and dry enough to have a tannic mouthfeel like a red wine.  I can't say I've ever met a cheese with the same texture.  The flavour was very light, a bit like a dry cheddar, but not as strong or interesting.

I did put the cheese aside to age a bit more and see if the flavour improves any.  Barring any major changes, however, I'm going to have to say this is one little cheese I won't be taking home with me again.  (And that is a rare thing for me to say!!)