Nachos Grande
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
1 cup guacamole
1/2 lb chorizo sausage
1 clove garlic, or 1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 lb Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup grated)
1/4 lb Cheddar cheese (1 cup grated)
3 jalapeno peppers, sliced
1/4 cup pitted black olives
1 Tbsp minced onion
1 cup refried beans
1/2 lb tortilla chips
1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions:
Make the guacamole. Crumble or chop the sausage. Mince the garlic and grate the cheeses. Slice the peppers and olives and cook the sausage over medium heat for 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Pour off all but 1/2 Tbsp of the rendered fat, add the onion and cook till soft, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the beans and cook till heated through, about 5 minutes. Heat the broiler.
After placing the tortilla chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle the cheeses over them and top with the peppers. Broil till the cheese melts, 2-3 minutes. Put bowls of guacamole, beans, chorizo, and sour cream in the center of a large platter or tray and arrange nachos around them. Scatter olives around them.
Makes 40 pieces.
From The Mexican Collection.