Home-made Hard Taco Shells

Today was one of those days where I got a craving and could not be deterred. . . I wanted tacos so bad, but didn't have any hard shells. These are so easy to make, it's ridiculous, and they taste way better than the store bought kind. I mean, granted, they're basically fried, but I'm sure they'd be pretty simple to bake too. These would probably be even better if I'd made the tortillas, but hey, I wasn't feeling quite that adventurous today.

Taco Shells:

Soft Flour Tortillas
Oil

-Heat oil in pan and using tongs, dip one half of tortilla in oil until it's golden brown.
-Flip tortilla over and allow other side to brown.
-Remove from oil and allow to drain and cool off.

Taco Meat:

Ground Beef
Canned Petite Diced Tomatoes
Diced Onion
Cumin
Turmeric
Salt
Garlic Powder

-Add meat and tomato to pan first, and allow it to start simmering.
-Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer until cooked through.

Mexican Rice:

Rice
1 TB Oil
Canned Petite Diced Tomatoes
Diced Onion
Lemon Juice
Garlic Powder
Salt
Cilantro
Chili Powder
Red Cayenne Pepper

-Cook rice in oil for a few minutes until brown.
-Add tomatoes and some water, simmer for 10 minutes.
-Add spices and simmer covered until rice is soft.