Dinner's Ready! Deconstructed Hot Tamale Pie (At least that is what I think they would call it on Top Chef!)

Last week, it was my good friend's birthday.

Her husband was out of town, and it was the middle of the week, so I offered to make dinner for her.

She requested my Hot Tamale Pie.

(I have posted it before, HERE.)

For her birthday, I wanted to make it a little more....'gourmet'.

Or something. Just different, you know?

So here is what I did:

I made Mexican Corn Bread (Corn bread with half a can of drained corn, and half a cup of chopped up jalapenos) and baked it on a cookie sheet, spread out thin:
(I sprinkled a little bit of sugar on the top before baking-I love sweet corn bread!)
Then, I made taco meat as you usually do when you make Tacos:

Then, when the Mexican corn bread cooled, I used one of my coffee mugs to make circle shapes:
{Because I was doing it "gourmet", remember?} Here they are, ready to go:

Finally, I topped the Corn Bread with Taco Seasoned Meat and toppings:

(Taco meat, Mexican cheese, Salsa, Guacamole,

Green Onions, Cilantro, and a Bit of Sour Cream-)

{Pay Attention~ Sanity Tip:}
I fed all our kids early (Nachos!) and sent them down to the playroom so the adults could have a peaceful meal. (If you celebrate a birthday with us, you need to make sure to invite Little Nana and Papa! So, my parents came for the party, too- )

(A peaceful, quiet meal: That alone is a birthday gift some days-)

After Dinner, I gave my friend the gift I made for her. Slaved to make for her...Joking!...

{*This really is an easy project ~ The "How To" HERE*}
(I had made one for myself last fall, and she liked it so much, I made one for her!) Now~ go make yourself some glorified Tacos!

(...who cooks for friends with love!)