Kids who eat

As sometimes happens - wish it happened more often, used to happen more often before Al graduated high school, and I became a true empty nester - I took the "if you build it they will come" approach to food preparation last night, and sure enough, Al and two of his friends showed up to eat chicken tacos and mac & cheese. They even made a dent in the chocolate cake, itself made to use up leftover creamy white icing.


Chicken taco meat
Lay skinless boneless chicken thighs in a baking pan (preferably metal; so that it can go on a stove burner later, and squeeze lime juice over them - not much; about 1 small lime per 8 thighs - then rub in some sugar, Ancho chile powder, and salt & pepper. Broil until they get a little color, then cover the pan with foil, switch the oven to bake at about 375 degrees, and cook for about 15 minutes, until no longer pink in the middle. Cool until you can handle them, and slice crosswise into 1-inch strips. Place the baking pan on a burner (or two) and reduce the juices until slightly thickened, and then pour over the meat. Serve with flour tortillas, hot sauce, and grated cheddar. Pico de gallo would be nice, too.