Economy, economy, economy!  In our election cycle that we have just survived, economy was a word we heard constantly.  And the reality is, we are in an economic squeeze.  So most of us are looking for ways to prepare more meals at home.  But in our busy society, these meals need to be not only economical but also quick and easy.  Here are some recipes that should fill that need.  Easy Taco Dinner is just what the name implies.  It is a tasty, easy, quick, taco tasting meal.  Want a vegetable to go with it?  Give these Corn Stuffed Golden Baked Peppers a try.  And how about Caramel Apple Walnut Squares to finish off your meal?  Delicious!

 EASY TACO DINNER

This was on an old newspaper clipping in my mother’s recipe box. I have no idea where she got it. But it is good and easy, as the name states.1 lb ground beef1 large onion, chopped1 envelope (1 1/4 oz) taco seasoning mix1 cup water1 pkg (12 oz) tortilla chips1/2 head lettuce, shredded2 med tomatoes, chopped1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 oz)2/3 cup sour creamCook and stir ground beef and onion in a 10-inch skillet until beef is light brown, drain well. Stir in seasoning mix and water. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Spoon beef mixture onto the chips. Top with the remaining ingredients.

Serves 6.

CORN STUFFED GOLDEN BAKED PEPPERS

I believe this is another recipe from an old 1970s “The Workbasket” magazine.3 green bell peppers, cut in half vertically1 jar (5-oz) sharp pasteurized process cheese spread1 3/4 cups whole kernel corn, drained1 tomato, chopped1 cup soft bread crumbs2 tbsp butter, meltedRemove seeds from peppers then parboil for 5 minutes. Drain. Heat cheese spread in a saucepan over low heat; stir in the corn and tomato. Divide corn filling between the 6 pepper halves. Toss bread crumbs with butter and use to top the corn filling. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

CARMEL APPLE WALNUT SQUARES

I believe this recipe was cut from a magazine advertisement for Borden’s Eagle Brand Milk.1 3/4 cups unsifted flour1 cup quick cooking oats1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar1/2 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp salt1 cup cold margarine or butter1 cup chopped walnuts20 caramels, unwrapped1 (14-oz) can Borden’s Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk1 (21-oz) can apple pie fillingPreheat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt; cut in margarine until crumbly. Reserving 1 1/2 cups of crumb mixture, press remainder on bottom of 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes. Add walnuts to remaining crumb mixture. In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt caramels with milk; stirring until smooth. Spoon apple filling over prepared crust; top with caramel mixture then reserved crumb mixture. Bake 20 minutes or until set. Cool. Best served warm with ice cream!

Enjoy!