Good morning, how are you? I wanted to bring you our series celebrating Food Holidays: October 2nd, 2021. Did you know today is National Soft Taco Day which is David’s favorite Taco. As for me and Charlie we prefer Crispy Tacos but we wouldn’t turn down a Soft Taco if your making them for dinner.
National Soft Taco Day
National Taco Day is a Holiday that celebrates the traditional Mexican dish and is celebrated annually on October 4th. Most people know what a Taco is, although not everyone agrees on the definition of the best Taco. Some people like their Tacos in Soft Tortilla Shells, while others prefer Hard Shells.
Tacos are a dish that can be filled with just about anything – from Beans and Rice to Beef, Chicken, Fish and anything else you can think to fill the Taco Shells with. However, there is one thing that most people can agree on: Tacos are delicious!
When Tacos were invented is something that isn’t currently known but many food Historians believe that this food began during the 18th Century in Mexican Silver Mines. Because the word “Taco” was used for the explosive charges they used to dislodge Silver Ore from the rock of the mines.
These charges were basically pieces of paper that were wrapped around Gunpowder. These little charges were then placed into holes drilled into the rock face. However, while that may explain how this dish got its name, many people believe that it can be traced even further back. All the way back to the Aztecs, in fact.
It is known that during the 16th Century, Tacos were already being created by the Aztecs Mexicas – the inhabitants of the area. They used flat Corn Bread called Tlaxcalli and filled them with a variety of different fillings. The diet of the people in this area was documented by a Franciscan friar known as Bernardino de Sahagun in 1529 in his book “Historia general de las Cosas de Nueva Espana” (General History of the Things of New Spain). In this book, it details the diet of these peoples, which consisted of Tamales, Chilies, Corn and Tortillas. Giving them everything they needed to make Tacos.
Mexican Immigrants brought the concept of Tacos with them to the United States during the 19th and 20th Centuries. During the 1920s, Taco Trucks began to appear in the Western and Southwestern portions of the U.S. All over the Country, family ran Mexican restaurants began appearing and each one brought their own version of Tacos.
Today, Americans consume over 5 billion Tacos each and every year including Tacos sold from Mexican restaurants, Tacos made at home and Tacos purchased at chains such as Taco Bell. Of those 5 billion Tacos, 2 billion are sold by Taco Bell each and every year.
National Taco Day Deals
On National Taco Day, there are a variety of deals offered by restaurants serving Tacos and restaurants may offer discounted Tacos (including $1 Tacos) and some may even offer free Tacos. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled in the upcoming days to find out who is hosting Taco sales.
Celebrating National Taco Day
The best way to celebrate National Taco Day is by enjoying Tacos. Be sure to take advantage of deals to get the best bargain. Also, don’t forget its a good day to learn about the History of the Taco and the contributions made to America by Mexican immigrants.
Recipe for Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground Beef, lean
- 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- 6 fl oz Tomato Sauce
- 20½ fl oz Refried Beans
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 12 small Flour Tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Tomato, diced
- Onion, diced
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Lettuce, Shredded
Directions
- Brown Ground Beef and drain.
- Add Taco Seasoning, Refried Beans, and Tomato Sauce.
- Heat until blended.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spray a glass 9×13-inch baking pan with Oil.
- Spoon Taco filling into Taco Shells and stack them side by side in the pan.
- When shells are filled, top each with Shredded Cheese.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching so they do not brown too much.
- Top with remaining ingredients, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie
