Tasty Fast Fiesta

When I do fast food, if it's not In-n-Out, it's Taco Bell or Del Taco. Nothing's tastier to a fox's palate in the junk food mood than fast mexican-influenced yums. Still, the fox prefers to know what's in her food, to handle it herself, to select the quality ingredients from the local farmer's market or carneceria. To this end, I have developed a recipe that satisfies all that flavor desire and is also a home-cooked tasty. Keep the meat mix on hand for in-a-minute lunch or dinner or invite some friends over for an instant fiesta they'll rave over!

FIESTA BURRITOS
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Makes approx 12 burritos

2 Tbsp corn oil
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 medium onions
3 cloves garlic
1 medium jalepeno
1 red bell pepper
1 orange bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper
3 lbs lean ground beef

12 large flour tortillas
Papas Potatoes (recipe follows)
Salsa con Queso (recipe follows)
creama mexicana (or sour cream if you don't have a mexican market nearby, stirred well)
chopped tomatoes
shredded cheese
sliced pickled jalepenos
fresh cilantro

Finely chop onions, garlic, and jalepeno (remove seeds and ribs from pepper for milder flavor if desired). Seed bell peppers and cut into vertical strips, then lay flat and remove inner membrane, discarding it to keep just the sweet flesh (the ribs and the fibrous membrane are the bitter part of the pepper). Finely chop bell pepper.
Heat corn and olive oil in large skillet. Add chopped vegetables, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook until vegetables are tender. Break ground beef into skillet with vegetables and stir gently. Cook until beef has rendered and is crumbly.

Warm tortillas. Assemble burritos to individual taste with favored garnishes.

PAPAS POTATOES
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Makes about 6 cups

olive oil
3-4 large russet potatoes

Heat 1/2 inch oil over medium high heat in large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron.
Wash potatoes and cut into 1/2 cubes. Cook potatoes, stirring frequently, in single layer in hot oil, until outsides are golden brown and insides are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

SALSA CON QUESO

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 2 mins
Makes about 2 cups

1 cup prepared jar salsa
1 cup velveeta cheese in 1/2 inch cubes

Combine ingredients in microwave safe bowl. Cook in microwave for 2 minutes, stirring after one minute, or until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.