Game Day Chorizo Queso

Game Day Chorizo Queso

1 package Chorizo

1/2 sweet onion, chopped finely

1 serrano pepper, chopped finely

1 jalapeno, chopped finely

1 red bell pepper, chopped 

1 bunch cilantro, stemmed and chopped *save a small amount for garnish*

1 package neufchatel or cream cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded

1tsp. White Pepper

1/4 tsp Turmeric

1/2 avocado, for garnish

Nonstick medium sized pot

Large heat-safe serving bowl

Heat pot to medium-high heat and place chorizo in. Using wooden spoon or spatula grind into chorizo distributing heat throughout. Add peppers and continue to stir. After about 3 minutes, add HALF the cream and allow to boil lightly, continuing to stir. Add onions and cilantro, continuing to stir. Add cream cheese or neufchatel in small amount stirring and allowing to melt in. Turn heat to medium low and  add shredded colby jack and the REMAINING cream. Season with pepper and turmeric. Stir well until all ingredients and have melted and combined into a smooth creamy consistency, adding more cream if necessary, Do not allow to boil. Pour queso into serving bowl and spoon avocado on top then sprinkle cilantro over the top. 

Rosemary Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

Rosemary Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

2 slices whole grain bread (I used 21 grain and seed for a little texture)

1/4 avocado, thinly sliced

2 sprigs fresh rosemary, stemmed

3 large slices of Brie Cheese

8-10 slices Gruyere Cheese, thinly sliced close to shaving

Tbs. Apple Cherry Butter

Tbs.  Honey Mustard

Tbs. Olive Oil

3 slices of Bacon, *cooked* (optional)

Heat non-stick skillet pan to medium heat, add Tbs. Olive Oil to hot pan when you have bread slices ready. Slice avocado. Slather honey mustard on first slice of bread. Place in pan. Sprinkle rosemary leaves over mustard, then evenly place gruyere over mustard and rosemary covering bread to the edges. Slather second piece of bread with Apple Cherry Butter and layer 3 slices of brie evenly spaced on bread (*this cheese does not need to cover all bread, it will melt and spread*). Set aside. Evenly layer avocado slices and bacon over first slice of bread (the one with mustard, rosemary, gruyere). Place second piece of bread, apple cherry butter and brie side down, and press firmly down with large flat spatula. Carefully flip sandwich and let cook on that side for 2 minutes. Cut in half in the pan using spatula. Plate with side of salad or your favorite soup!