Haystacks

By Rand E. Creitz

    I got this recipe from my brother, John, who probably got it from his wife Sharon, who probably got it from....... Well, you get the idea, it's been battle-tested.

     For a family meal use less of each ingredient, this is intended to feed larger gatherings.

   3-5# ground beef or chicken (as with any recipe, any meat you wish to use may be substituted)

   Taco seasoning

   2-3 cans chili-hot beans, heated through

   Diced jalapenos, onion and tomatoes

   Shredded lettuce

   Grated or cubed cheeses, cheddar, Monterey jack or other soft cheeses you might like, about 1 1/2#

   Salsa and/or hot sauce

   Sour cream

   Corn chips, 2-3 bags

     Cook meat with taco seasoning and place in serving dish. Heat beans at the same time and do the same. Serve buffet-style with individual dishes of each of the other ingredients listed.

     The idea is to make a bed of corn chips on each plate and then add layers of the other ingredients as desired. Doing this produces the name of the dish as the end product can resemble a large, strangely colored haystack.This allows everyone to eat exactly what they want and nothing they don't, which is a really good thing at a party.

       Enjoy!

     Rand E. Creitz

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones."