Hints from Heloise

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) All your communications will be upbeat today, which is why this is a strong day for those of you who write, sell, market, teach or act. Yada, yada, yada. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Be careful with financial matters today because you might overestimate something or you might spend too much money. Better to err on the side of caution. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Today, fiery Mars is in your sign opposing Jupiter. This will tend to magnify all your reactions and actions. If so, you might feel like an emotional yoyo today.

Dear Readers: It’s NEW YEAR’S EVE, 2014, and we are about to say “Hello” to a new year. I love the sound of “Twenty-fifteen”! If you are going out and about, please be safe, and have a wonderful time. If you’re staying home, snug as a big, warm hug, hope you have someone special to celebrate with.

Please know that as we travel through the next year, I’ll be here to help you, share your ideas and hints, and just be a friend.

If you are awake for the countdown, watch it on TV, and you can pretty much pick if you want to celebrate on Tahiti time, Texas time or Timbuktu, Mali, time. OK, folks, figure out which location celebrates first! — My very best wishes, Heloise TACO CASSEROLE Dear Heloise: Looking at your recipe for Heloise’s Taco Casserole, there was ground PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) You are a sympathetic sign who likes to help those in need. Nevertheless, don't go overboard. Remember: True generosity is giving what is needed.

YOU BORN TODAY You are capable and organized, and you like a structured environment. Many of you work with your hands to create something practical and useful. At times, you are very ambitious about what you wish to achieve. You are sensitive to the comments of others. This year is the beginning of a new nine-year cycle for you. Open any door! Start a new business activity.

Birthdate of: Morris Chestnut, actor; Deepa Mehta, filmmaker; E.M. Forster, author. beef to be added. Was the ground beef to be cooked before, or would cooking it in the oven make it safe to eat? — Cynthia Holloway in Texas

Glad you asked, because the answer is yes, the ground beef needs to be cooked first. This taco casserole is a good way to “repurpose” leftover ground beef from tacos.

For other readers, here are the directions again: Grease a big casserole dish with nonstick spray, then spread some salsa (canned, jarred or left over from takeout) on the bottom. Sprinkle broken-up tortilla chips or taco shells over it, then layer the leftover ground meat. Next, beans, cheese and more salsa, and a layer of chips on top. Bake until hot, about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Take it out of the oven, let sit for about five minutes, then top with sour cream, guacamole, olives, lettuce and tomatoes. For this recipe and more, you can order my All-Time Favorite Recipes pamphlet. Please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (70 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Recipes, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Use packaged taco-seasoning mix to flavor cooked beef if you have no taco leftovers but still want to make this casserole. — Heloise