When I was a kid Friday’s were Nacho Night. I used to complain (shocking, right?) but now that I’ve grown up I get a little nostalgic thinking about those times I spent with my family. Although Friday’s are usually the night we eat out, every once and awhile we revive Nacho Night.
Recently, Joel was feeling under the weather and didn’t want to go out for dinner. I quickly decided it was time to have Emeril’s Chorizo Nachos again and ran to the store to pick up the ingredients. We had them several months ago and they were divine.
I love the fact that they are layered then baked (we’ve always just nuked ours in the microwave). It adds a crunch factor in the chips and bubbly brown cheese that is just heavenly! We ate them late, after Noah was asleep, while snuggling on the couch watching a movie. It’s pretty awesome that Nacho Night continues to create memories and tradition within my new little family.
Chorizo Nachos
recipe from Emeril Lagasse
1 pound Mexican chorizo, removed from casings and crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups cooked pinto beans
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Water
Tortilla Chips
1 1/2 cups grated pepper jack
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1 small white onion, sliced into thin rings
5 large jalapenos, stemmed, seeded, and chopped, or to taste
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
1. In a large skillet, cook the chorizo, garlic, and cumin, stirring, over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. To the fat in the pan, add the pinto beans, chili powder, salt, and 1 to 1 1/2 cups water (depending on the moisture in the beans). Cook over medium heat until warmed through, smashing with the back of a heavy wooden spoon or potato masher until chunky/smooth. Remove from the heat.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
3. On a large, oval ovenproof platter or in a large baking dish, spread 1 layer of chips. Top with a layer of 1/2 of the beans, then 1/2 of the sausage, cheeses, onion rings, and chopped jalapenos. Repeat with another layer of chips, beans, sausage, cheese, onions and jalapenos. Bake until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is hot, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and lime juice, with a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the nachos, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.
Linked to the following wonderful linky parties:
Mangia Monday
Cast Party Wednesday
These Chicks Cooked
Full Plate Thursday
Fat Camp Friday
Strut Your Stuff Saturday
Everyday Sisters
Manic Monday
Totally Tasty Tuesday
Tasty Tuesday
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
What I Whipped Up Wednesday
I am so excited to be participating in the 
When I was at the grocery store recently, I came across some mini cherry chips. I don’t know about everybody else, but anything miniature is so cute and pretty much irristable. I have never made anything with cherry chips and didn’t even know of any recipes but it was just automatic to purchase them. I had put them in the cart before my brain even realized what I was doing. They sat in my pantry for awhile and I still hadn’t thought of anything to make with them.
I’ve been on a salad kick lately. Before I had Noah, I hated salad. I wouldn’t eat it. Once I got pregnant, I was trying to eat healthier and make better choices. I started choking down salad and as the time went by I actually started to enjoy it. I know you all are thinking “Who doesn’t like salad? What is wrong with her?” Well, now you don’t have to think that. Until I reveal the next thing I am weird about. Don’t worry, you probably won’t have to wait too long. Anywayyyy.
