Make your own queso!

Tonight was a big night for all of the folks living in and around the City of Brotherly Love! Football season kicked off for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the fans are hoping for the best.

Football has really grown on me over the past few years, thanks to Jamie's influence. I love the adrenaline it brings to a room full of people, but I must say I mostly enjoy the food it brings to the table. Wings, pizza, chips & dip... nom nom nom.

Here is a recipe for some homemade queso that you can serve up at your next football get together! I like mine a bit spicy, so I went with some jalapeños and included the seeds, but if you are sensitive to heat, feel free to use a milder pepper like red or green bell.

Homemade Queso

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized (or 2 small) jalapeño pepper(s), diced1/4 cup yellow onion, diced

1/2 cup fresh tomato, diced

1 tbs cooking oil such as canola or olive oil

2 cups Mexican cheese (I used a shredded blend of sharp cheddar, monterey jack, and queso blanco)

1/2 cup whole milk
Sprig of cilantro (optional), chopped

Dash of cumin and paprika

Salt & pepper

Sauté the jalapeños and onion until they begin to soften, and then add the tomatoes. Heat through until onions are translucent and the tomatoes are soft, and remove the pot from the heat for a minute. Add one cup of the cheese to the veggies and then pour the milk over it all. Place back on the burner on low heat and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Then add the second cup of cheese and melt through, stirring frequently. If you want it to be a bit thinner, pour in a little more milk. Add cilantro, a dash of salt & pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin and paprika (to taste).

Serve in a bowl alongside some tortilla chips, or pour it over a platter of nachos. This would also be a great cheese to serve with fries, chili, or on top of a burger -- all excellent foods to serve during a game! Cheese is magical like that.

I served my nachos with fresh diced tomato and black beans and may or may not have eaten it for dinner. 

I can because it's football season.


Love,

Amy