Patriotic Fourth of July Taco Salad

Festive Fourth of July Taco Salad







Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 envelope taco seasoning
6 cups tortilla or corn chips
4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
9 to 10 pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions:
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato paste and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Place chips in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Spread beef mixture evenly over the top. Cover with lettuce. For each star, arrange five olive slices together in the upper left corner. To form stripes, add cheese and tomatoes in alternating rows. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.
Editor's Note: If you wish to prepare this salad in advance, omit the layer of chips and serve them with the salad.
Originally published as Patriotic Taco Salad in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2002,

T. Cooks at Royal Palms Resort

Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod and Linda Corderman enjoy T. Cooks

Beautiful arches at Royal Palms entry

Tough job, but someone has to do it - visit beautiful historic restaurants around Arizona and talk to them about being involved in our new cookbook, Tastes and Treasures II. Cathy Shumard, Linda Corderman and Ruth McLeod stopped in at T. Cooks at Royal Palms Resort. We munched on bowls of delicious Muhammara and hummus with grilled pita, black olives, thickly sliced cucumbers and giant black radishes. Joined by Director of Sales and Marketing, Mark Lindsey, it was exciting to hear compliments about our first edition of Tastes and Treasures and to hear the interest in participating in the second volume.

Wyoming Whopper Cookies from Janelle

Well worth making, these are delicious. Pour yourself a glass of milk and try not to eat more than one!
Thanks to Janelle Olson for sharing the recipe.

Wyoming Whopper Cookies
Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cup chunky-style peanut butter
1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs, beaten
6 cup old fashioned oats (not quick cooking)
2 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cup raisins
2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Blend in peanut butter, sugars and eggs; mix until smooth. Add oats, chocolate chips, raisins and baking soda (dough will be sticky). Drop on greased baking sheets with ice cream scoop or large spoon. Flatten slightly.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 2 dozen

Lon's at Hermosa Inn

A new and remodeled Hermosa Inn was a pleasant surprise when we went for Happy Hour. The new owners did a lovely job of incorporating the history of the building in the remodel and new lobby and offices.
Fabulous Lon Megargee's paintings are everywhere. Love the fact that the bar is named "Last Drop" after the picture (shown here).
Chef Jeremy Pacheco does an outstanding job with the food. Lon's was featured on pages 94-101 in Tastes and Treasures cookbook. We look forward to featuring them in the next Tastes and Treasures cookbook Volume 2.

          

National History Day experiences in Wash. D.C.

Mr. Behring with Kiran Kapoor and Grant Trepanier

Meghna Pancholi with Chandler
teacher Stacey Trepanier

In competition

National History Day students have arrived in Washington D.C. The Historical League is proud we were able to help them achieve their goals.
The contest is named for Mr. Kenneth E. Behring in recognition of his support of National History Day (NHD). Mr Behring  (born June 13, 1928) is a real-estate developer, former owner of the National Football League's Seattle Seahawks, and philanthropist.

At the Berlin Wall

Meghna Pancholi made a new friend at the Natural History Museum

National History Day students in Wash. D.C.

Opening Ceremonies

An amazing group of AZ students are competing now at National History Day in Washington D.C. The Historical League supports this venture by helping with judging, finances and encouragement. They are serious about their competition but are also able to have fun visiting some of the museums in the area.
We met many of the students at the David Wright House when the Historical League hosted a fundraising Spring Event for them. They are all winners!

Wearing their Arizona shirts

Sohani explores the Natural History Museum

John Wayne, Legend of Monument Valley

Join us at the AZ Heritage Center on June 22 from 1:30-2:30 pm for
John Wayne, Legend of Monument Valley, a presentation by Bill J. Harrison, "Arizona's Road Scholar."

An undisputed American icon, John Wayne is recognized the world over for his signature drawl and confident swagger: the ultimate personification of American courage and honor. But it wasn't always that way. Early in his career, John Wayne starred in dozens of poorly written and amateurishly directed B-movies that were quickly relegating him to the scrap heap.  Then three things changed his life: John Ford, the famous movie director; Harry Goulding, an Indian trader and sheep farmer; and Monument Valley. This presentation will introduce the participants to a unique chapter in the legend of John Wayne.  Participants will enjoy this remarkable true story that not only launched John Wayne's career, but also introduced the world to the grandeur and mystery that is Monument Valley. Join us as Bill Harrison shows us how Harry Goulding saved John Wayne from obscurity and from fading into the background of Hollywood!
Cost: $5.00, $4.00 for AHS members. Book in advance at 480-929-0292. Does not include admission to the museum. Museum tour available following presentation for additional $8.00; book in advance.