Mexican Fiesta Night

Ole and here's to easy, simple dinners. Corn tortillas, wholesome and delicious, (just be sure the corn is not genetically modified), are a great gluten free option for those leaning that way. The traditional corn tortillas should be made with lime (calcium oxide from limestone) which frees up the B3 (niacin) for proper absorption as discovered by quite primitive cultures. While, due to the GMO invention or a low carb craze, many people seem to be on the outs with corn these days, opting for whole grain tortilla chips, I think the corn tradition should stick. Many American societies, ancient and present, rely on corn as a simple inexpensive staple and it has withstood this test of time. Well, at least until corporations started making high fructose corn syrup out if...corn is rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin~a memory booster), B5 (pantothenic acid~for adrenal health) and folate (for heart and overall health) and many minerals as well, all contributing this plant's rich nutritional portfolio. The phytonutrients in corn are often overlooked and the fiber is viewed as its most beneficial property. However, some studies using isolated fiber can not replicate the benefits of corn and whole grains because fiber supplements do not have the phytonutrients and antioxidants prevalent in the actual food. So, anyway, the simple dinner above was merely a bunch of beans, soaked and boiled with taco seasonings (several kinds of pepper, cumin, sea salt, oregano) plunked onto the white corn tortilla with sauteed onions and leeks, steamed fresh corn, topped with cilantro and scallions. I admit, my one product in our house that is not made by a farm or a small independent food company is Old El Paso taco sauce. It is preservative free and very tasty!