Date Night Dinners - Road Trip Deluxe

6/13/2014 tringel 0 Comments

When we stopped in Pennsylvania to fill up the gas tank, we made sure to stop at a gas station that would have good grub for us to munch on. We found a Sheetz which is always a good sign and took turns shopping. Brenden was hungry for lunch by the time we stopped so he went in and order some food as I pumped the gas. I wasn't very hungry and I wanted to keep an eye on the bikes so I was fine staying outside. But, of course that did not last long. There was a big sign staring at me as I was filling the tank, advertising walking tacos. Doritos + Tacos = YUMM, and made to order. I had remembered Brenden mentioning making some version of these during his youth group days and was hoping that was what he was ordering so I could steal a bite (or five) on the ride home. Surprisingly that is not what he got so I was out of luck, unless I order one on my own. I wanted some water so I ended up perusing the store for way too long in debate of buying everything. I decided against gas station tacos and luckily made it out with only a few casualties: some pineapple, yogurt, a beef stick, thats it! Ok, maybe some Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups to splurge on later.


Any-who, of course my mind and stomach were still focusing on the amazingly delicious looking and sounding walking tacos I had been drooling over. I mentioned to Brenden my surprise that he did not get them and he admitted he would have if he had seen the sign before ordering his burritos. It worked out well though because we instantly decided to make our own version of walking tacos for date night dinner this week. Look at us planning ahead...amazing. It was also good because it made me feel like I was making it healthier, although our homemade ones are probably just as bad [or good?] for us as the gas station ones were. At least I wouldn't be stuck in a car for 5 hours after eating tacos, and prefacing tacos with the word 'homemade' sounds 100 times better then the words 'gas station'.


I spent the rest of the week anticipating how delicious these taco treats would be, and they did not disappoint. They were also unbelievably easy, as tacos usually are. But really! All we had to do was cook the meat and chop/layout your sides. Then take the desired amount of everything, through it into a crunched up bag of chips and shake until it is mixed to your hearts content. That is it. No mess, not even plates to wash, all you have to do it throw out the chip bags and lick the fork clean with your mouth (just kidding, you probably want to wash those). Plus there are no worries about your fillings bursting out of you taco shell because they are mixed into the bag. And you have the added bonus of the aluminum bag keeping the meat warm inside. Seriously guys, they are as amazing as they sound. For reals!


Of course we got a variety pack of chops so we could experiment with different kinds. I tried Spicy Nacho Cheese Doritos and Brenden when with Chili Cheese Fritos and then Chitos. Out of the the three I was surprised that the Cheetos where my favorite. They had the most crunch, and all the excess fake cheese really helped the flavor not to get lost like it somewhat did with the Doritos. I want to try so many more types of chips with this. I am most looking forward to plain Tostitos or Fritos. Although I love cheese, I think these two will give the taco bag a more traditional feel and subtly compliment the flavors rather then adding a layer of depth when there are so many levels of flavor already going on. I cannot wait to try all the chips, too bad it will be a while before I do these again because I don't want to gain 100 pounds. But, if you are looking for something easy to splurge on and treat yourself with, this spin on tacos is the way to go. And honestly, besides the chips how bad are they really, I mean it is only meat and veggies.

Taco Bags
Recipe inspired from Sheetz, Walking Tacos and Brenden's past experience

Ingredients

• "Shells"
• 2 bags snack pack Nacho Cheese Doritos (or your favorite chip)
• Taco Meat
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Suggested Mix-ins (to taste):
• Corn
• Tomatos, diced
• Avocado, diced
• Onion, diced
• Romain lettuce, shredded
• Taco sauce

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the beef on medium heat until no longer pink.
2. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain the excess fat and return the meat to the pan.
3. Add the taco seasoning packet and follow the directions listed (mix with 3/4 cup of water and simmer for about 5 minutes).
4. As the meat is simmering, crunch up you bag of chips and open at the top.
5. Insert the desired amount of toppings/mix-ins.
6. Spoon in the desired amount of meat. (Note: Make sure to leave space so that the ingredients will mix well when shaking the bag. But never fear, if you overstuff your bag, you can use your fork to help combine the ingredients as you begin to eat.)
7. Fold the opening of the chip bag over to close, hold it tight and shake the bag back and forth a few times to combine all of the ingredients inside.
8. Grab a fork and enjoy your taco in a bag.