Turner’s Top Five: How to Build Better Nachos

Have you checked out our “Turner’s Tailgate From The Couch” grocery box yet?

We’ve put together a collection of produce with a few special additions to help you snack like a champ during the Super Bowl. You’ll find it on the “Produce Availability” page. It’s available to pre-order before the big game this weekend - deadline for ordering is noon on Wednesday, February 3rd). We’re hoping this collection of goodies will give you all of the basics you need to put together your favorite snacks.

(Sample “Tailgate from The Couch Box”. Brownies not pictured)

Here are a few suggestions on what you can create!

• Add beans and/or ground beef and make chili!

• Top a fabulous pizza!

• A colourful bruschetta!

• Whip up a kicked up mac and cheese!

• Fajita style perogies!

• Guacamole! (www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alton-browns-guacamole/15953)

• Layered taco dip!

• An impressive plate of nachos!

Let’s talk nachos. 

As far as snacks go, it doesn’t get much better than a well crafted platter of nachos.  While they are pretty straightforward to put together, there is an art to assembling the perfect platter.  As a self-appointed snackmaster,  I’ve put together a few tips:

TURNER’S TOP 5: HOW TO BUILD BETTER NACHOS

1. AT THE KICKOFF

It pays to prep all of your toppings and have them ready to go before you begin the assembly.  Dice all of your vegetables - small enough so that they will cook and melt to the chips.  Black beans?  Give them a little smoosh so that they stay put and don’t roll off under the couch.  It happens!

2. THE BEST DEFENCE IS A GOOD OFFENCE

A well planned and well crafted nacho will hit all of your tastebuds – the sweetness of peppers and tomatoes, the salt of the tortilla chips, the heat of jalapeño, the tang of sour cream and lime, the creamy coolness of avocado.  And don’t forget a little spice!  Add a sprinkle of dried oregano, cumin, taco seasoning – the sky is the limit!  The perfect nacho bite will have a little bit of every ingredient on the chip.

3. GO LONG

We’ve all seen it.  The nacho volcano.  Eighteen layers tall.  Basically an edible game of Jenga, where one bad move could send the whole thing toppling down.  And when it’s all done, there is always a leftover pile of cheese and bits of topping from the middle that never stood a chance.  It is much better to build your nachos in fewer layers on a wider surface (like a cookie sheet).  This will allow your toppings to bake and melt evenly.  Save the Jenga for halftime.

4. PICKING THE RIGHT CHEESE = TOUCHDOWN

Speaking as a certified snackmaster, I’m confident in my opinion that a blend is best.  We’ve included a shredded cheese in our grocery box that is the perfect blend of cheddar and mozzarella, to give you optimum flavour and meltability, both being necessities in a good nacho.

5. RUN A TRICK PLAY

There are so many ways you can add flavour – firing up the barbeque?  Roast your peppers before dicing them!  Grill those limes and jalepenos!  Roast your garlic!  Caramelize those onions!  Add sautéed spinach and a chopped can of artichokes and make ‘em fancy!  Nachos can be infinitely customizable – take your favourite flavours from another dish and use that inspiration to create your own masterpiece.  The field is open!

Post Game Wrap Up:

If you’re lucky enough to have some prepped vegetables left over, you’ve got the makings of a fabulous breakfast or brunch the next morning!  Take those toppings and shredded cheese, add eggs, and you can put together breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, frittatas, a quiche, strata...your morning is covered!  If there’s leftover brownies, throw one on the side of a strong cup of coffee.  We won’t judge.

Enjoy the game, everyone!