Donna's Picadillo Tacos, Calico Corn and Rice Salad, and Inside-Out Baked Papaya Crisp

Hello Everyone!  As summer winds down, it makes me think more about comfort food and sharing it with family and friends.  Today's menu has a Latino influence (now that we are back in our beloved Florida home) with the Picadillo filling for the tacos, the beans and rice in the tasty salad, and the delicious papaya serving as the base for the delicious baked crunchy, sweet center with a touch of Jamaican allspice.  Salud!  Donna:

Donna's Picadillo Tacos

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons olive oil

One half green pepper, chopped

1 medium sweet onion, chopped

2 Tablespoons garlic, minced

1-1/2 pounds ground turkey

1/2 cup raisins

2 Tablespoons almonds, sliced

1/4 cup stuffed green olives, chopped

1 cup salsa (I used peach mango salsa)

1 1/2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon raw sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

12 corn taco shells
Sriracha Hot Chile Sauce

Method:

Heat olive oil in large frying pan.  And onion, green pepper and garlic, sautéing until softened.  Add remaining ingredients in order given and cook until ground turkey is cooked through.  Stuff Picadillo into taco shells and serve immediately with Sriracha, if desired.

Donna's Calico Corn and Rice Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups Basmati rice, cooked

Three ears of corn, microwaved about five minutes and kernels removed

 1 medium orange bell pepper, chopped

2 Tablespoons Basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (e.g., Newman's Own brand or homemade) Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Mix all ingredients and chill for about 3 to 4 hours before serving. 

Variation:  Donna's Calico Corn, Bean and Rice Salad Add one 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed well, to salad with an additional 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Serves 4 - 6.

Donna's Inside-Out Baked Papaya Crisp

Ingredients:

One ripe 3 pound papaya, peeled, halved, and seeded

1/2 cup gluten-free flour

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup raw sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon Jamaican allspice

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

6 tablespoons salted butter, softened

Method:

Preheat oven to 350° F.   Place papaya halves, cut side up, in baking casserole dish sprayed with cooking oil.  Mix remaining ingredients in order given.  Spoon half of topping in each papaya half.  Add about 2 Tablespoons water to bottom of casserole dish.  Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through and top is golden brown.  Serve with cinnamon ice cream, if desired.

Serves 4 - 6.

Copyright 2014.