Taco Tartlets (Cookery for Entertaining)

Ingredients:

Tortilla Chip Filling (see below)

1 lb lean ground beef

2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning mix

2 Tablespoons of ice water

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Tortilla Chip Filling:

1/2 pint dairy sour cream (1 cup)

2 Tablespoons of taco sauce

2 ounces of chopped ripe olives

3/4 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425. Prepare tortilla chip filling and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix beef, taco seasoning mix and ice water with hands. Press into bottom and sides of 1 1/2 inch miniature muffin cups, forming a shell. Place a spoonful of filling into each shell, mounded slightly. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over tops. Bake 7-8 minutes With the tip of a knife, remove tartlets from pan. Serve immediately or cool and freeze.

Makes about 30 appetizers

Variation:

For a main dish pie, substitute a 9 inch plate for muffin cups. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. Makes 6 main-dish servings.