Television Feasts

I am a home cook who backyard gardens and has a serious closet addiction to the Food Network. I envision visiting the world in my own kitchen.

From Julia to Giada, I am a bi-product of the quirky world of anything food television. At age 10 I wanted to lunch with Julia; at 12 I thought sitting at Graham Kerr's table would be bliss; in college I was a diligent voyeur student of Jeff Smith's; and as a newlywed I envisioned myself being Martha. Then the sky opened up and violin music played in the background when I discovered an entire family of food shows on the blossoming food network. Twenty years later I am still a home chef with a backyard garden, yet in my head I am a trained chef who has eaten her way around the world, tasted all things exotic, competed in many challenges, judged the best of the best, and have a circle of friends which includes Emeril, Bobby, Rachael and more. I like to learn and challenge myself simply for the pleasure of all things food. I am a student of the University of Food Network and my textbooks, exams and extra-curricular activities all stem from channel 39.


Friday, January 30, 2015

Nacho Twist

I am not a fan (pardon the pun for this upcoming football weekend!), of the bright orange gooey cheese used on nachos.  It just looks so artificial.  I like to use real sharp cheddar cheese when I make nachos.  The problem is it has a weird consistency when melted and remelted.  The trick is to add a little bit of a fattier cheese to keep it creamy at a low temperature.  I use a french herb cream cheese (Boursin cheese is my ultimate favorite, but I couldn't find it in the store this week) to the cheddar to give it a tangy, garlicky flavor.  My advice is to add it a little at a time so you get the taste you like.  It can overwhelm the cheddar taste if you use too much.  Plain cream cheese works just as well.
This sauce is deliciously decadent on baked potatoes and french fries too!  So, whichever team you are rooting for, enjoy good food!

Nacho Cheese Sauce
printable recipe

3 T. butter
3 T. flour
2 c. milk
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4-8 oz. herb cream cheese or plain cream cheese
Optional: can of chopped jalapenos to taste

In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Add the milk and stir to blend.  Cook, stirring often until thick and smooth.
Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and smooth.
Add the cream cheese, stir to melt.  If using, add jalapenos.  Heat through until bubbly.

Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips and toppings.



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