Mexican Haystacks

My favorite thing is when people think for me.

I don't know about you, but I have a really hard time justifying turning off my brain. Notice I didn't say actually turning it off, but justifying doing it. There's too much to do! Being a planner has its price.

So whenever our family is invited over to someone's house for dinner, I jump at the chance to blog about whatever they're cooking. Free thoughts! Free ideas! I need those. I can't tell you how many times I've stared blankly at the page, wondering what recipe should come next.

I also love when recipes have fun names. Haystacks. When Callie said that we were having them, I thought of that weird caramel dessert with the pretzel sticks that no one really wants to eat.

"That's...ummm...cool," I said, as I secretly began planning a trip through the drive-thru on the way there.

But when she said it was Mexican food, my heart started racing and I jumped on Google. Such a cute and original idea! If you don't get it, the rice acts as the hay, and you stack all the ingredients on top. Love it. I also love it because it can be customized for each person. No complaints. Just take what you want, leave what you don't.

Forget avocados -- this is the perfect food! On second thought, throw that on there, too. Love the guac.


Directions:


There are only two real rules when it comes to haystacks, or so I've noticed from my Google image research:

It must have meat.

It must have rice {aka, "hay"}.

I don't care what else you do. Your kitchen, your business. But this is the heart attack in a bowl that I made for Tim.

Start with the rice.

Meat and queso.

Beans. Can't skip the beans. Ever.

Shredded Mexican cheese. I can have two types of cheese, right? Stop judging me.

Lettuce, "for color," as Tim said.

Sour cream. Yumm.

And fritos. Or tortilla chips. Or nothing. I'm staying out of it.

Guys...I can't express to you how good this stuff is. It's my new guilty pleasure. I've made it three times in two weeks. Again, please don't judge me.

That's it! Oh, and buy napkins. This stuff is messy. I'm not allowed to eat on the couch anymore because we don't have any more chances to flip the cushions -- I've spilled on every available side. Oops.

Here are some other toppings that you might enjoy:

• Olives
• Salsa
• Guacamole/Avocados
• Cilantro
• Pulled pork
• Mexican chicken
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Corn
• Peppers
• Red onions

I'm sure there are more, but I only have a few more hours before Judah wakes up, and I seriously need to shower. You know...just livin' the dream!

Love and haystacks,

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