Tacos & earthquake cookies

Enjoy a satisfying and fun meal with this dynamic duo of Tacos and Earthquake Cookies. Start with savory tacos featuring your choice of ground meat, seasoned to perfection and served with your favorite toppings. Follow it up with a sweet treat—Earthquake Cookies. These rich, chocolatey cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, crackle beautifully as they bake, offering a delightful end to your meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this combo brings together hearty and sweet in a way everyone will love. Photo by Lil’ Luna.

What You Need — For the Tacos

1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken

1 tablespoon chili powder*

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder*

1/2 teaspoon onion powder*

1/2 teaspoon paprika*

1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin*

1 teaspoon sea salt*

(*Alternatively, 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning)

Olive oil

Flour or corn tortillas

Toppings of your choice (cheese, sour cream, lettuce)

What You Need — For the Cookies

1/4 cup butter

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon espresso powder (instant coffee)

1 cup powdered sugar

What You Do — For the Tacos

1. Combine all the spices in a small bowl.

2. Heat 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil in a sauté pan or high sided skillet on a medium high heat.

3. Place ground meat in one piece into skillet. Break in two four pieces and let brown.

4. As meat browns, continue to break it up further. Once meat is about half way cooked, add in spice blend.

5. Let spices toast for about 1 minute, then add in 1/4 cup water.

6. Reduce heat and simmer until meat is cooked through.

7. Serve with desired shells and toppings.

What You Do — For the Cookies

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. Melt chocolate and butter in microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.

3. Add in sugars and stir to combine.

4. Add eggs one at a time, stirring after each one.

5. Add vanilla and espresso powder, set aside.

6. In a different bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder.

7. Stir in half dry ingredients to wet mixture at a time, stirring gently until mixture is cohesive.

8. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight.

9. Roll balls of dough, then completely cover in powdered sugar and place on baking sheet at least 1 inch apart.

10. Bake for 9 – 11 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.