Bacon and Ranch Rice Walking Tacos

Instructions

• These walking tacos are a perfect on-the-go option for any fun family outing! Try them for a lunch or a quickly assembled dinner.

  Step 1

• Prepare rice according to package directions.

  Step 2

• Meanwhile, in large skillet set over medium heat, cook bacon, turning occasionally, for 8 to 12 minutes or until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy. Transfer bacon to paper towel–lined plate; reserve fat in skillet.

  Step 3

• Add turkey and chili powder to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up turkey, for 10 to 15 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.

  Step 4

• Layer rice, turkey mixture, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, corn, and lettuce evenly into 4 containers. Drizzle with ranch dressing. Close and shake to serve.

  Recipe Tips

  Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper if desired.

  Substitute shredded lettuce with arugula if preferred.

The Best Way to Dice Tomatoes

To dice your tomatoes the first thing you will need is a serrated kitchen knife or a very sharp straight-edged knife for slicing. Wash the tomato then remove the core with a small spoon. Place it on its side and cut into evenly spaced slices starting at the stem and ending at the bottom. Take care that the slices are the same thickness. 

Next, you will need to cut the slices into strips. Arrange the tomato slices on top of one another. Cut the slices into evenly spaced strips.  

Lastly, make evenly spaced cuts across the strips and you will see how the pieces come away as small cubes. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve just diced a tomato! If you’d like to continue practicing your tomato dicing skills try this: Tuscan chicken with tomatoes and rice 

Chopped Bacon

A great idea to make chopping bacon as straightforward as possible is to freeze it 15-20 minutes prior to chopping. This allows you to acquire uniform pieces without tearing or stretching the bacon. It makes it easier to handle and gives you clean, small cubes of meat.

Use a sharp knife and slice the slightly frozen bacon lengthwise into ¼ inch strips. Cut the strips into ¼ inch wide pieces. 

Rice Cakes with Goat Cheese and Bacon is another yummy recipe that contains chopped bacon.

What’s the Difference Between Chili Powder and Paprika?

Chili powder is a red colored blend of powdered spices. While it contains some cayenne pepper for heat, it also has spices such as cumin, garlic powder, oregano and paprika. Chili powder is mild to moderately spicy, depending on how much cayenne pepper makes up the mixture. People often wonder if there is a difference between paprika and chili powder. 

The main difference between paprika and chili powder is that paprika is a singular chili while chili powder is often a combination of chiles as well as other ingredients such as cumin and garlic powder. 

You can use paprika as an alternative to chili powder because it´s a member of the same family. However, beware that paprika is more on the sweet, smokey and mild side. 

Chili powder can be found in a variety of different recipes. Try some of these:

Mexican Rice and Beans –If you are looking for a perfect side dish then look no further. This side dish is the ideal combination of rice and beans, chorizo, black beans, tomatoes, chili powder and cheddar cheese. It’s a simple and pleasant choice.

Mushroom Quinoa Chili–Looking for a vegetarian option?  Look no more. This chili is made with ground mushroom, diced onions, garlic and walnuts to ensure you will not leave the table feeling unsatisfied.

Cuban Shrimp and Rice Tacos–If your tastebuds are feeling sad and are in need of a quick burst of flavor, these Cuban shrimp tacos will save the day. This recipe includes succulent shrimp sauteéd  in a blend of seasonings inspired by Cuban-style mojo sauce, including garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, orange and lime juice.