Turkey Tacos

Description: Easy, healthy recipe for turkey tacos that your family will love.

When I was little, Saturday was taco day. Back then there were no pre-formed shells and ground beef was .69 a pound. We made our tacos the old-fashioned way. Mama would hold a corn tortilla over the open flame on the stove until it was warm and soft enough to form into the traditional taco shape. Then she'd fill it with highly seasoned ground beef, and fasten the edges with toothpicks. After that the tacos were ready to be deep-fried, in lard, no less. Oh my were they good!!

Today I still enjoy my tacos, but they're prepared a little different. I take that back, they're prepared totally different. Check out my healthier version of a family favorite. Enjoy!

1 lb ground turkey, (ground chicken is a good substitute)
1 small onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 TBS chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 TBS olive oil
8 corn tortillas
Chopped lettuce and tomatoes
Salsa (optional)
Hot pepper sauce (optional)

Place a pan prepared with nonstick spray over medium heat. Add the first nine ingredients and cook until turkey is browned and crumbly. Remove from heat and place in colander to drain. Wipe skillet clean. While meat is draining, wrap the tortillas in a paper towel and microwave on HI, for 1 minute. Place 1/4 cup of ground turkey in the center of the tortilla. Bring the edges together and fasten with toothpicks.

In the skillet that you cooked the meat in, heat the 1 TBS olive oil. When it is very hot add the tacos and pan fry until browned on each side. Takes approx 2-3 minutes each side. Watch them carefully so they don't burn.

The other way is to lightly brush both sides of each taco with the oil. Don't use more than the recipe calls for, make it last. Place the tacos on a preheated countertop grill (like the George Foreman) and grill for about 3-4 minutes each side. Again watching carefully so they don't burn. Serve with salsa and chopped lettuce and tomatoes. Makes 8 at 160 calories each. When you still want to have your favorites, you gotta be creative!

Sandra L. Garth is a speaker, personal trainer, lifestyle and weight managment specialist, online contributor for WEYI NBC-25 from Saginaw, Michigan, and host of Fit Matters on WUCM - FM. Send in your fitness questions to sandra@onebodyonelifetime.com . For a free fitness analysis visit http://onebodyonelifetime.efitnesstracker.com/

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