Smoky queso

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Ingredients

  • 1 8oz block of Monterey jack or other soft cheese (probably not Oaxaca sorry!)
  • 1 8oz block of cheddar or other sharp cheese
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Canned chipotles in adobo if you live for danger
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder if not using chipotles
  • A small quantity of cooking oil
    • Neutral: Canola oil, peanut oil, corn oil, vegetable (soybean) oil
    • Live your life: Olive oil, avocado oil, butter, ghee, animal fat
    • Spicy: Scallion oil, chili oil*
    • No: Nut/seed oils, including but not limited to coconut and sesame oil. Not today.
  • Garlic to your liking (3ish cloves)
  • One 12 oz can of evaporated milk
  • Cilantro unless you don't to
  • Scallions if you can find them in a small quantity
  • Black beans if you are feeling like a party
  • Tortilla strips
    • Standard triangle shaped chips allowed for the fancy version ONLY
    • Fritos as a chaotic alternative

Instructions

  • Chop garlic, cut cilantro, slice scallions (if using), dice chipotle in adobo (if using)
  • Shred cheese and toss with cornstarch, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle powder, if using.
  • Heat oil in a small to medium pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • If using chipotle in adobo, add to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds
  • Add 1 cup of evaporated milk and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low. With one hand, start whisking the queso. With the other, add cheese one handful at a time.
  • Keep whisking, baby.
  • If cheese has fully melted and queso is too thick, add more evaporated milk. Remember that queso will thicken as it cools.
    • If you used butter, ghee, or animal fat, definitely add more evaporated milk to keep it thinner. I have not used any of those but am 85% confident in this instruction.
  • Add beans if you are feeling like a party
  • If you have a mini crock pot, pour into the mini crock pot
  • If you are extremely fancy, pour into a baking dish 
  • Put scallions on top if you want
  • If you are extremely fancy, broil for 4-5 minutes.
  • Put cilantro on top I guess? Or mix? Idk do what you want
  • Open the chips
  • Live it up

Sources
*I assume no responsibility for any side effects from using chili oil as a base. This is your warning.

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