Panela Queso Dip Food

QUESO DIP (MEXICAN CHEESE DIP)

Steps:

• Place cheese and cornflour in a bowl, toss to coat.
• Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan or small pot.
• Add garlic and onion, cook slowly for 3 minutes or until onion is translucent but not browned.
• Add tomato (including juices) and cook for 2 minutes until tomato is slightly softened.
• Add evaporated milk and cheese. Stir, then add chiles and Spices.
• Stir until cheese melts and it becomes a silky sauce.
• Add salt to taste - amount required depends on saltiness of cheese used - and stir through coriander.
• Stir in milk or water to adjust consistency (I use 2 tbsp) - the dip thickens when it cools, and milk can be added later to adjust to taste.
• Remove from heat. Serve warm or at room temperature - it will be soft and scoopable even when it cools.
• Store in the refrigerator. When refrigerated, it becomes the consistency of the cheese spread sold in jars that are not in the refrigerator section. Reheat in microwave and adjust consistency as desired with a tiny bit of milk. If you add too much, just put on stove again until it thickens.

WHITE QUESO DIP

Steps:

• In a double boiler on low heat (enough to keep a gentle boil), add the cheese and some of the half and half.
• Stir mixture until cheese begins to evenly melt, adding half and half to result in the consistency you desire. (It should be thin enough to flow well, but thick enough to stay on a chip).
• Add diced jalapenos to mixture, according to your preference. If they are from a jar, add a teaspoon or two of the juice as well.
• Begin to add the spices. Start with the cumin and black pepper. Add red pepper gradually, tasting along the way. A little goes a long way, so be sure you don't make it too hot. I use a bit more than 1/4 tsp, you may use more or less.
• Add a pinch of chili powder, and serve hot with tortillas or chips.
• Leftovers can be microwaved (add more half and half or water to keep consistency). Don't worry about yellowing from day to day (due to spices/cheese), it will be good for 4-5 days.