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Queso

Welcome back! 
Today, we have a tex-mex favorite: queso! Literally meaning "cheese", this dip lets cheese-lovers enjoy their beloved cheese in a warm, creamy dip. Not only is this recipe good for just dipping, you can also add it in your favorite tex-mex dishes, like in a burrito, which will add another level of deliciousness to a burrito that's already great.

Queso


Makes quite a bit!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 shallot, chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno (about 3 tablespoons), chopped
  • 1 small tomato, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup half & half or evaporated milk
  • 10 ounces cheddar cheese block, shredded (we used some smoked, some normal sharp)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

Directions:

  1. In a pan on medium heat, use the butter and saute the shallot and garlic.
  2. Add the jalapeno and mix. Then add the tomato and mix.
  3. Add the half & half/evaporated milk and stir.
  4. Once the liquid bubbles, turn the heat down to low. You don't want to burn anything!
  5. Add the cornstarch into the cheese and mix it a little. It doesn't need to be thoroughly mixed, you just don't want a clump of cornstarch in the queso.
  6. One cup at a time, add in the cheese and mix it until smooth before adding in the next cup. 
  7. Add in any other spices, like the dry mustard and cayenne powder. If there's anything else you like, you can add it!
  8. Serve it!
Now, that doesn't seem too difficult, does it? Well, it's actually not too bad, but finding the right consistency can actually be a little challenging, and it does have to do with what type of cheese you use. That's why we recommend using cheese blocks because it tends to form a smooth substance rather than something grittier, as is what happens when you use pre-packaged/pre-shredded cheese, or if you add the cheese in too fast. Overall, it'll still taste great, but you may need to experiment a bit to find the right texture.

The Spider is back!

-Chefpo
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