Naughty Nachos: The Perfect Late Night Snack

"What do you call a cheese that isn't yours? Na-cho cheese."

Enjoy serving up this crowd pleaser to guests, or throw in a scary movie and have a night in with this great snack. Remember: you can never have too much cheese!

Ingredients: 

1/2 package of chorizo sausage
1/2 pound of ground beef 
4 cloves minced garlic 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/8 cup Monterey Jack cheese 
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup light sour cream
1/4 teaspoon onion powder 
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
1/4 red onion 
 3-4 cups Tostitos or other gluten free chip

Directions: 

Step 1: In large saucepan cook minced garlic, sausage, beef, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder until meats are browned (about 5-10 minutes). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: On a baking sheet lay out the Tostitos and cover with cheese, sliced red onions, and cooked meats. Cook in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 3: Sprinkle the nachos with the fresh cilantro and salsa. Add the sour cream to the middle, and use a fresh sprig of cilantro for decoration.



Serves 4.

Sweet and Tangy Texas Caviar

"A recipe has no soul.  You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe." - Thomas Keller

One of the best ways to avoid temptation when you go to a party is to bring something gluten-free and fabulous to share, that way you always have something to munch on! This dish is vegetarian as well as gluten-free, and super addictive. Goes great with any gluten-free chip (Tostitos Scoops are a popular choice). 

Ingredients: 

1/2 lime

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 large yellow onion

2 ears of corn

1 can black eyed peas (15 oz)

1 can pinto beans (15 oz)

1/2 green bell pepper

1/2 yellow bell pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Grill corn until cooked but not mushy. (If you are low on time, you can wrap the corn in a wet paper towel and microwave for 3 minutes on high, turning once.) Cut the corn off the ear.

Step 2: Chop the bell peppers and  onion. In a large bowl, mix peppers and onion with corn. Add oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar. Squeeze the juice from ½ lime into bowl and mix.

Step 3: Empty the pinto beans and black eyed peas into a strainer. Rinse beans and peas thoroughly and add to the large bowl. Toss all ingredients together.

Step 4: Marinate for 1 hour and serve with gluten-free chips of your choice!

Serves 6-12 depending on portion size.