This can easily be one of the most frustrating questions that you can hear from a significant other or child when you've had a stressful day or a long week at work.  Sometimes, even more frustrating, is the reaction you get.  "But Mom, we had that LAST week!"  or "But Honey, I'd really rather not have that.  I'm more in the mood for {fill in the blank}."  If you're like me, and tempted to tell them, "If you don't like it, just do it yourself!" then you're in luck!  This is an easy recipe that everyone can build on at the dinner table like legos!  It's not just your average taco or burrito.  It's fun and a tad different, making it easy on you and the family will look forward to dinner without you having to do much!

6 servings

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 T. Chili Powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
• 1 c. salsa (your fav - be it mild, med or hot)
• 6 tortillas
• 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack or your favorite mexican blend)

Optional toppings:

• Sour Cream
• Guacamole
• Chopped Cilantro
• Chopped Lettuce
• Sliced Olives
• Sliced Jalapeños

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef after you have thorougly mixed in the chili powder, cumin and chipotle chili powder.

2. Once completely browned, add salsa and mix well and turn off heat once heated all the way through.

3. In a rectangle pan, layer the tortillas to create a "crust" on the bottom, cutting them in half to get them to fit properly, if need be.

4.Add your ground beef mixture and sprinkle the cheese on top.

5. Broil (about 2 minutes) in the oven until cheese is melted.

6.  Serve immediately with toppings (don't forget extra cheese!) at the table and let everyone build their own, custom slice of Tortilla Pie!

And here is what one version of your tortilla pie can look like! 

I'm of the opinion that dinner should be affordable, easy, delcious and simple.  I really like to pull out all the stops on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Birthdays, Valentine's Day and other major holidays.  It's fun to impress with flambé, everything from scratch pie crusts, rich, champagne cream sauces or delighful, chocolate liqueur fondues.  However, we all know that isn't practical for everyday.

My goal is to give you the tools for making eating "in" the new eating "out" everyday, but to also provide you the tools necessary to WOW that special someone, celebrate in style or to throw your child a dream birthday party that kids all over town will be talking about for years to come!

Need ideas?  Need cooking advice?  Let me know how I can help!  Until then, bon appetít!