Southwest Fondue With Chorizo Food

SOUTHWESTERN CHILE CHEESE FONDUE

Steps:

• 1. In large bowl, toss the Monterey Jack and cheddar with the cornstarch to coat.
• 2. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, til onion is softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, chile peppers, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, til most of the moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes. Pour in the light cream and cook, stirring til sauce just reaches a boil. Reduce heat to low.
• 3. Break cream cheese into small pieces and gradually stir into the hot chile tomato sauce til melted and smooth. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese mixture, letting each addition melt before adding more. Stir in the lime juice, cumin and cayenne. Taste, adding salt if needed.
• 4. Transfer to a fondue pot, preferably ceramic or enameled cast iron. Sprinkle the cilantro and scallions over the top and serve at once. Regulate the heat under pot if possible so that the cheese fondue remains warm, not hot.

SOUTHWESTERN CHORIZO QUESADILLAS

Steps:

• Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle pan to high heat; blister a flour tortilla for 20 seconds, flip.
• Cover half the tortilla surface with shredded cheese, bits of chorizo or andouille, and chopped scallions.
• Fold the tortilla in half and cook a minute longer, 30 seconds on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula.
• Cut quesadillas into 4 wedges and top with salsa.
• For salsa, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro and salt in a small bowl and spoon over wedges of quesadilla, as you snack.

MEXICAN FONDUE WITH CHORIZO AND CHILES

Steps:

• Place poblanos and bell pepper directly over the flame of a gas-stove burner on high heat. Roast peppers, turning with tongs, until blackened all over. (Alternatively, broil peppers on a baking sheet, turning, until skin has charred.) Transfer to a large bowl, and cover immediately with plastic wrap. Set aside to steam 15 minutes. Peel peppers; discard skins, stems, seeds, and ribs. Cut into 1/4-inch strips. Set aside.
• Heat a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chorizo, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and add cheese and pepper strips. Cook, stirring, until melted. Serve immediately by spooning onto tortillas. Roll up the tortillas to eat.

QUESO FUNDIDO WITH CHORIZO

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium. Working in batches, add chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer chorizo to a serving dish.
• Add onion and chiles to skillet; season with salt. Raise heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tequila, bring to a boil, and cook until tequila is mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds.
• Reduce heat to low, gradually stir in cheese, and cook, stirring constantly, just until melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a fondue pot and serve immediately, with chorizo and chips.