Taco Meatloaf

1 pound ground meat
2 TBSP taco seasoning (equal to 1 packet)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped (omit seeds for milder version)
1 tsp worchestershire sauce
1 egg
3/4 -1 cup breadcrumbs
optional: 1/2 cup taco sauce

Saute onions and pepper until soft to release extra juices. Mix all ingredients together by hand until combined, and all breadcrumbs a little at a time until mixture holds together.

Form into a loaf on a broiler pan or in a loaf pan. Top with taco sauce and bake at 350 for 60-75 minutes (depending on the thickness) until juice runs clear. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Brazilian Chicken

This is a quick dinner that tastes like vacation in a bowl!

2lbs boneless chicken breast, thin sliced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (divided in 1/2)
2 TBSP olive oil (divided in 1/2)

1 onion, sliced
1 seeded jalapeno
3 cloves garlic
1" chunk fresh ginger root, grated
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 can light coconut milk
1 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

Mix spices and 1/2 tsp salt together in a medium bowl and rub into chicken. In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Cook chicken until browned and juices run clear, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. Remove to a clean plate.

In skillet, heat remaining oil and saute onions, garlic, jalapeno and ginger. Once onion is softened, add 1/2 tsp salt, tomatoes and coconut milk and stir to deglaze the pan. Simmer about 5 minutes to thicken, and add chicken into the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve over rice or noodles or with a chunk of crusty bread for mopping.