Make Your Own Burritos

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Written By Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

As we all try to cut our food budgets during trying times it is sometimes a relief to find a dinner that is both enjoyable and inexpensive. I came across such a one the other night. It was time for "Make Your Own Burritos" night here. p1020359p1020357We bought flour tortillas that are low in sodium and a good deal from Walmart. These can be stored in the freezer to make wraps, soft tacos, burritos and pizza, so they are important in our house.  Calories each are 120 and sodium is 110 mg. Next, we cooked some ground chicken breast that we found on sale along with some onions:p1020350After cooking until completely done, we seasoned with chili powder, oregano, cumin and coriander and then added some fresh lime juice. Then we ground it in the food processor to make it resemble the fine texture of ground beef that is a lot higher in fat. p1020356Next up is the roasted salsa:p1020351This is made by broiling 3 plum tomatoes, one onion and a sweet or hot pepper (your choice) then grinding them in the food processor along with lemon juice and chopped cilantro. This makes a tasty salsa that is inexpensive and very low in sodium compared to prepared ones you find in the store.Next was a simple bean dip made with no-salt-added pinto beans, a touch of tomato paste,  cumin, garlic powder and chili powder (add those to taste):p1020354Brown rice was made in the rice cooker and served to use as a filler for the burritos or a side dish - diner's choice.  Creativity and choice is what is fun about this meal!p1020353So, diners had a choice of a large tossed salad, fresh-made salsa, tortillas, brown rice, ground chicken breast, bean dip and fat-free sour cream for their burritos. It was a festive meal that was made fun by passing all the bowls and making fun creations. Enjoy!

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Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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