There are lots of great short-cut dips of this same style. Lots of people like to mix a block of cream cheese with some salsa, and there’s the Rotel + Velveeta dip, and heck, I love this one. This Chili Con Queso is sort of a homemade version of those. It takes just a few minutes to make and we love it. It’s warm and creamy, and it’s got a little bit of a kick. If you want it spicy, just add some jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mix. I love that you could adjust the flavors to add in things you love. I took it to a Christmas party this past winter and everyone loved it. I couldn’t stop eating it myself! Start with sauteing diced onions in a little butter then add chopped tomatoes, green chilis and spices (this is where you could add in extra heat if you wanted to) Simmer that for a bit and toss in some pepperjack cheese that’s beenmixed with a little cornstarch final addition is some cream cheese, which melts right in And you have a velvety smooth and creamy dip with bites of tomatoes and chilies and the kick of the spices. Do any of you have the little mini-crock pot? My big crock pot came with this little one and one batch of dip fits perfectly inside! That way you can keep it nice and warm on the table. Or just pop it in a baking dish. You can always keep it warm in the oven until it’s time to serve, or zap it in the microwave. Definitely a simple crowd pleaser. Prep: 10 minutes, Cook: 10 minutes Makes about 2 2/3 cups 1/2 finely chopped onion 1 Tbs butter 1 1/3 C chopped, seeded tomatoes (about 2 medium) 1 4-ounce can green chiles 1/2 tsp ground cumin 2 ounces pepperjack cheese, shredded (about 1/2 C) 1 tsp cornstarch 1 8 oz package cream cheese, cubed Tortilla chips for dipping In a medium saucepan cook onion in butter until tender. Stir in tomatoes, chile peppers, and cumin. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer, uncoered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss shredded cheese with cornstarch. Gradually add cheese mixture to saucepan, stirring until cheese is melted. Gradually add the cream cheese, stirring until cheese is melted adn smooth. heat through. Serve with chips.
