by Kate O'Leary

Created on: June 11, 2010

I was a late bloomer when it came to Nachos it was not until I was in my early twenties when I had my first nachos and I remember thinking "oh my god these may be close to the perfect food". At the time I was most likely more than slightly drunk and talking to some very cute boys.  I no longer know the boys but the Nachos have stayed in my recipe collection.  My next introduction to Nachos was when I was working as a waitress at a bar that was known for letting in anyone and everyone and staying open late and serving food when all the other bars closed.

It was a crazy fun and very, very crowded especially after midnight and we were famous for our Nachos.  My favorite food became the device necessary to get through the crowds.  We cooked the nachos on circular aluminum pans that were stuck directly in the oven and then under flames to brown the cheese.  When the pans came out of the oven they were so hot that we had to bring them to the table using heavy duty pot holders.  Now remember it was after midnight, crowded and most of the people were very, very drunk so when I carried the nachos to the tables and the drunken boys would not move I would give them just a little ding on open skin with my very, very hot nacho pan.  It got the job done and after that one sizzle my path was cleared.

Here is the recipe for the famous nachos (Use the hot pan wisely!)

Heat the Oven to 450 degrees - yes that hot and make sure it is fully pre-heated before you put the nachos in

Cover the bottom of your pan with chips

Now sprinkle so much cheese on the chips that you cannot see them ( a combination of cheddar and montery jack with jalapenos)

Another layer of chips and then more cheese

Add a little more cheese - get it in the nooks and crannies

Throw a few sliced tomatos and onions on top and put it all in the oven

Watch and wait

Once the nachos are bubbling away turn on the broiler for three to five minutes to get the top layer crispy

Serve with sour cream and salsa - DO NOT BURN any of your guests unless they are very, very naughty.

ENJOY

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