CREAMY CHORIZO QUESO

I was listening to a podcast this morning about people who play an Internet game called 'The Knowledge'. Which to me sounds like some kind of nerdy-internet-trivia game that I probably would have been secretly into in high school. The premise is that Twitter users compete against each other to see how long they can go without finding out the results of the Superbowl. Players will update their followers when they are "killed" by 'The Knowledge' by saying things like 'Death by email subject line,' or 'Death by television in Buffalo Wild Wings'. People are serious about this game, some turn off all their phone notifications and stay inside for three days trying to win. One of the people interviewed in the podcast episode would screenshot his emails before reading them and send them to a friend to give the ok or not. (Crazy, right?) I am here to tell you that I truly believe I might have won this game in years past without even trying.

Football exists, I don't have many feelings about it and I can probably count the names of players and teams I know on one hand. Typical Morgan, I know, but I grew up in a household that was fairly blasé about the sport. My dad was never a huge fan and games were only ever on when my uncles would come over on Thanksgiving or Christmas. (Is there even a special game on Christmas day?) My relationship with the Superbowl is centered around food and time with family and friends, rather than crowding around my television and yelling at it. I'm not judging, I'm just saying it's not my thing.

All that said, if you know anything about me at all (if it's not obvious by now) I will take any opportunity as an excuse to try a new recipe and feed others — silly football games included. Growing up in Texas, I ate a lot of Tex-Mex, and in my opinion there isn't a lot you can do wrong when it comes to mixing spicy pork, cheese, and cream together. However, there is a lot you can add and change to elevate your queso from melted cheese to a talked about and cherished dip. This recipe mixes adobo chillies and several kinds of chile powder to add even more spice to the dip. I love that it's not complicated and can be made in large batches to feed a crowd. Even if you're like me and don't care much about the outcome of the game this weekend, use the Superbowl as your excuse to explore new recipes and share them with friends & family.

Be sure to come back on Thursday, Katie's got another crowd-pleaser for you!

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook, stirring and breaking up with a spoon, until browned and crisp, 8–10 minutes; set aside.
Heat half-and-half and Velveeta in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until Velveeta is melted, 6–8 minutes. Add Monterey Jack and cheddar; stir constantly until mixture is smooth. Mix in chipotle chiles, salt, and both chile powders.
Transfer queso to a warm dish and top with Cotija chorizo. (or if you prefer to mix in, that works too!)