[Click To Close Window]

JALAPENO CHEESE DIP

http://teriskitchen.com/appetize/chsdip.html

MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

This cheese dip recipe is quick, easy and absolutely addictive. Everyone who has tasted it agrees. Serve it as an appetizer with a Mexican or southwestern-style menu. Or present it as part of a party buffet. It will be one of the first items to disappear. The recipe can easily be doubled or halved. The instructions include both microwave and oven methods.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos, grated

8 ounces sour cream (can use reduced-fat)

1/4 cup mayonnaise (can use reduced-fat)

1 large garlic clove, put through garlic press

2 ounces chopped pimento

3 green onions, finely chopped

Sunflower nuts

Mix together the cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and garlic. Do not cover. Bake in a 350° F oven for about 20 minutes or microwave on High for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in half of the pimento, onion and sunflower nuts. Bake for 5 more minutes, or microwave on High for an additional 2-3 minutes. (Can be prepared ahead, refrigerated up to a week and reheated in oven or microwave until hot. Stir well to recombine.) Garnish with remaining ingredients, placing pimento in the center, green onion around the pimento and sunflower nuts around the edge. Serve with tortilla chips.

Note: Cooking times will vary with the power of your microwave. Start with less time and adjust as needed.