The BEST Taco Salad...

1 1/2 TB olive oil

3/4 c. chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp chili powder

1 lbs. hamburger

2 TB tomato paste

3/4 tsp salt

Black pepper to taste

Heat oil moderate-low heat. Add onion, garlic, cumin and chili powder. Cook 8 mins till onion is soft. Add hamburger cook 5 mins. Add tomato paste, salt and pepper, cook another 4 mins till meat is done. Transfer to serving bowl.

Vinaigrette Salsa

1 clove garlic

3 TBSP red wine vinegar

3 TBSP lemon juice

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

Black pepper

Blend in food processor or blender. Then add in a slow stream:

1/2 cup olive oil

Then add to blender:

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1 Serrano or jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped)

1/2 cup cilantro

Blend well.

Spoon meat mixture onto a bed of romaine lettuce (with salsa chips underneath: my kids like to use the tostitos scoops and put meat, lettuce, cheese, vinaigrette etc. in each chip!) Top with grated cheese, chopped tomatoes, vinaigrette and salsa. (ps, if using a canned salsa, try the brand Herdez on the Mexican foods isle).

Enjoy!