Super Quick Cheesy Chorizo Dip (aka Queso Fundido)
prep: 10 minutes
cook: 10 minutes
serves: 16 (¼ cup portions)

you’ll need…
16 corn or flour tortillas (6 inch)
4 cups shredded Chihuahua cheese or Monterrey Jack cheese
1 link (6 oz.) pork or beef chorizo (Mexican style sausage, uncooked)

let’s get to it…
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven.
Place an ovenproof 9-inch pie plate inside the oven to heat for 5-minutes. Remove hot pie plate from oven and add shredded cheese. Return pie-plate to the oven so cheese can melt, 6 to 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove plastic casing from the chorizo (if there is any). Place chorizo in a microwavable dish. Using a spoon, cut chorizo into 1-inch pieces. Cover and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Remove melted cheese and tortillas from oven. Sprinkle chorizo on top of cheese and serve with tortillas.

cooking know how…

Lékué Steam Case with Tray

• I used this cool Lekue microwave steamer to cook the chorizo. It comes with a tray at the bottom that separates the grease from the food, so, if there is a healthy way to cook chorizo, this is it.

• I also used this beautiful Tortilla Warmer from Camerons Products. It heats up in the microwave for 45 seconds and keeps your tortillas hot and soft for more than an hour after they come out of the oven. It even holds the big 12-inch tortillas.

Tortilla Warmer from Camerons Products

Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce

prep: 20 minutes
bake: 10 to 12 minutes
serves: 24 (2 meatballs each)

for the meatballs you’ll need…
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 lb. ground turkey
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
½ cup minced red pepper
½ cup minced green pepper
¼ cup minced onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

for the avocado dipping sauce you’ll need…
1 large ripe avocado
½ cup fat-free plain yogurt
¼ cup chopped bell pepper
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lemon
1 tablespoon onion
1 garlic clove
½ cup water

let’s get to it…
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat the oven to 450°F.
Place quinoa, turkey, eggs, red and green pepper, onion, chili powder and salt in a large bowl. With your hands or a spoon, mix until well blended. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheets.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until light brown. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Avocado Dipping Sauce…
Place avocado, yogurt, bell pepper, cilantro, lemon, onion, garlic and water in a blender container or food processor. Pulse 10 to 15 times.
Stir mixture with a rubber spatula to distribute evenly. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until at desired consistency.

cooking know how: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Double the meatball recipe and bake as directed. When cool, place half in a Ziploc® Brand Double Guard® Freezer Bag and freeze. To reheat, remove meatballs from bag and place on a foiled-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tostones
(Fried Plantains)

prep: 10 minutes
cook: 10 minutes

you’ll need…
3 green plantains, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
3 cups canola oil
salt to taste

let’s get to it…
Line two baking sheets with paper towels. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan (or deep fryer) to 375°F. Use a deep fry thermometer if you don’t have a deep fryer.
Fry the plantains for 2 to 3-minutes or until lightly golden and semi-soft. You may have to do this in batches.
Remove plantains with a slotted spoon and place on one of the baking sheets. Let rest 1 to 2 minutes.
Smash the plantain chunks with the tostonera (you can also smash them with a mallet or by pressing down on them with a small plate).
Return the plantain to the hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oil and place on the other baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve immediately!

make ahead: Peel and cut the plantains. Fry and smash. Let cool completely. Place cooled plantains in a Ziploc® Brand Freezer Gallon Bags. Freeze. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and fry until golden brown and crisp.