3 lb. ground beef
3 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
2 doz. taco shells (2-3 per guest)
3 lg. tomatoes, sliced & diced
3 onions, diced
1 head lettuce, shredded
3 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 can black olives, sliced (optional)
1 bottle taco sauce (Old El Paso is best)

Taco Shells - buy the kind that's already folded over in a "U" shape.

1. In the morning, or a couple of hours before the party, you must spend time, slicing, dicing and grating the ingredients. (If a guest arrives too early, ask him to help grate cheese.)

2. Preparation of the table for serving: Get a large sectionalized platter, or use several small bowls, and a serving spoon for each. (I use a long wooden bowl from the Philippines with five sections in it.) In each small bowl (or section of platter) place 1 of the following foods: Cut up tomatoes, diced onions, shredded lettuce, grated cheese and sliced black olives.

3. Half an hour before party: In a large skillet, saute ground beef, with about 3 tablespoons chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin. Drain off excess fat. Meat should be cooked shredded. Place the cooked meat in one of the larger bowls on the table, with a serving spoon.

4. Warm taco shells slightly before serving. Place taco shells on a tray.

5. At the Party: Each guest should take a taco shell and fill with a spoonful of each of the following (in any order) : Meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, olive and taco sauce. And you have made a taco! Tacos can be served with enchiladas or other Mexican dish.