Serving Up {Entree}: Frito Mess

This meal is not really attractive to look at.  It isn't even healthy.  But it comes together in less than 5 minutes, my kids LOVE it, and when we are in the doldrums of summers and mom wants something quick that does not require the oven to be turned on...well this just hits the spot.  The original recipe did not call for ground beef, but by adding it I feel like it makes the dish into more of a meal.  Combine with some fresh fruit and you are set for a cool, light summer meal.  

One Year Ago: Frosted Banana Bars

                        Creamy Lemon Pasta

FRITO MESS     

printable version

2 cans corn, drained

5 green onions, sliced

1 bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained***

1 bag chili cheese fritos

Toss all of the ingredients, except fritos, together in a large bowl and stir until well combined and thoroughly coated with mayo.

Just before serving, add the bag of chili cheese fritos and toss to combine.

*** The original recipe did not call for beef, so feel free to leave it out.  I add it so that I can call this meal dinner without any guilt :)

Serving Up {Appetizer}: Queso Fundido

At our house, when it comes to football, we follow college football not the NFL.  So our season is over, as are the bowl games and the snacks that go along with the bowl games.  But I do realize that for most people the Super Bowl is a pretty big football day, which means more snacks to be made.  If you are looking for some new snack recipes to try for the big game, might I suggest Peanut Butter Fritos, Caramel Clusters, or this recipe for Queso Fundido.

As far as I can tell Queso Fundido means "melted cheese" so there are plenty of variations on this recipe.  This particular recipe comes together quickly and tastes delicious so it is the one that I have kept around for many years.  Once prepared, serve immediately with warm bread or with cut vegetables.  Delicious!

QUESO FUNDIDO     Pin It

printable recipe

1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbs. Tabasco green pepper sauce

2 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

In a shallow oven safe dish, combine shredded cheese, garlic and tabasco sauce - gently stir to combine.  Place in a pre-heated 375 degree oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.  Remove and stir gently.

Top with chopped tomato, cilantro and additional tabasco sauce (if desired).

Serve with warm bread or fresh vegetables.

Serving Up {Sandwich}: The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

After posting my recipe for Parmesan Tomato Basil Soup, it only seems reasonable that I ought to follow it with this recipe for an amazing grilled cheese sandwich.  "Grilled cheese?" you ask.  And I say "yes" - there is a recipe to follow when you want to make Knock Your Socks Off Grilled Cheese.  Perfectly paired with a cup of tomato soup or enjoyed by itself, this is Grilled Cheese taken to the next level.

THE ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH     Pin It

(recipe from Ally W.)

printable version

Sliced Havarti cheese

Sliced Fontina cheese

Fresh Mozzarella cheese

Fresh Basil

Honey

Sourdough Bread

Tomato**

Butter

Generously butter one side of two slices of sourdough bread (I've tried wheat bread and french bread - sourdough is my favorite in this recipe).  Then on one slice of bread, on the non-buttered side, generously slather honey.  I vary on this step from my friends directions, but I promise that when you put the honey directly on the bread it heats up on the grill and crystallizes to add a subliminal crunch that adds to the delight of this sandwich.  Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto a pre-heated grill.  Top with one slice of Havarti cheese and one slice of fontina cheese.  Place the other slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the grill and layer it with fresh mozzarella slices, sliced tomato and fresh basil.  When the cheeses are melted, and the bread adequately toasted, remove and combine both slices for a sandwich that is out of this world.

** This sandwich is awesome even without tomato if you aren't sure about that addition.  A favorite variation of mine is to replace the tomato and basil with a scoop of Trader Joe's jarred Bruschetta - same flavor taken to the next level!  If you don't live near Trader Joe's, please consider moving - this is just one of MANY of their products that find their way into my pantry as a staple.