Sunday, February 7, 2010

Mmmm, Food!

There is only one reason to go to Applebee's.

The nachos.

For a couple of years I completely boycotted them because they changed the nachos. Then one evening I was on a "mom date" with my girls, and that was where they wanted to go. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered that the nachos were back.

But now, now I may never have to eat out again! I made Applebee's nachos at home tonight.

And since I am so very nice I am going to share my recipe with you.

But before I can do that I have to give you my special *super secret* pico de gallo recipe, begged from my favorite Mexican restaurant.
Pico De Gallo de La Hacienda
1 head of cabbage finely chopped
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 bunch of cilantro finely chopped
5-6 roma tomatoes, diced
2 limes, juiced
Salt to taste

Mix all the ingredients together in a large plastic container with a tight fitting lid.
Store in the fridge.
This is really fabulous on the second day when the flavors have had a chance to mix together.

I have a Cuisinart that I bought at the thrift store- it made short work of all the chopping. I just made sure to use the "pulse" button so I didn't end up with cabbage juice...




Then, you have to make the cheese sauce (This is what makes the nachos taste like they came from Applebee's- so don't skip this step!)

Cheese sauce
2 tsp butter
2 tbs flour
1tsp white pepper
milk
Velveeta or store brand equivalent
Your favorite hot sauce to taste

In a skillet melt butter. Add flour and pepper. Stir to soak up all butter. Slowly stir in milk a little at a time, stirring constantly to break up clumps of flour. You want to end up with a runny white sauce. Melt cheese into white sauce (I used 1/2 of a big brick). Add hot sauce to taste-the cheese at Applebee's is pretty spicy.

Now that you have made that, you are ready for the NACHOS.

Applebee's Nachos
Corn chips
Cheese sauce
Black beans rinsed and heated
Finely shredded lettuce
Pico de Gallo
Sour cream
**Applebee's also adds spicy ground beef and jalapenos- but that makes them too spicy for me so I leave them out.

Pile the ingredients on your plate in the order listed and enjoy!



3 out of 4 taste testers like this meal and I got to hear about how awesome I was all through dinner!

5 comments:

Karyn @ Candarbry Garden said...

And where was the fifth taster? Maybe I will add processed cheese food to our shopping list soon.. Nah, guess I will try with queso fresca or shredded cheddar.
The rest sounds right. I could do shredded chicken with that!

Julie said...

looks yummy, too bad they don't have cheese sauce here...

Elena said...

Mmmm! We love nachos here. I'll have to give this one a go. I love how all the kids are looking at the ONE who doesn't like the food. So funny!

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Well, YUM! These look delicious and I can't wait to try the pico and the cheese sauce. With or without the nachos. ;)

Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer said...

Too spicy for you, the Hot Tamale queen?! Surely you jest!