Chili Con Queso Dip

I learned something on Wikipedia. Super Bowl Sunday has the 2nd largest food consumption in America, only beat out by Thanksgiving.  Amazing! For those of you who watch the game, here is a great dip you can make!

There are lots of great short-cut dips of this same style.  Lots of people like to mix a block of cream cheese with some salsa. This Chili Con Queso is sort of a homemade version of that, only much better.  It takes just a few minutes to make and we love it.  It's warm and creamy, and it's got a little bit of a kick.  If you want it spicy, just add some jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mix.  I love that you could adjust the flavors to add in things you love.
Start with sauteing diced onions in a little butter.

 then add chopped tomatoes, green chilis and spices (this is where you could add in extra heat if you wanted to)

Simmer that for a bit

and toss in some pepperjack cheese that's beenmixed with a little cornstarch

final addition is some cream cheese, which melts right in

And you have a velvety smooth and creamy dip with bites of tomatoes and chilies and the kick of the spices.

 Do any of you have the little mini-crock pot?  My big crock pot came with this little one and one batch of dip fits perfectly inside!  That way you can keep it nice and warm on the table.

 Or just pop it in a baking dish.  You can always keep it warm in the oven until it's time to serve, or zap it in the microwave.  Definitely a simple crowd pleaser.

  
Chili Con Queso Dip

Prep: 10 minutes, Cook: 10 minutes
Makes about 2 2/3 cups

1/2 finely chopped onion
1 Tbs butter
1 1/3 C chopped, seeded tomatoes (about 2 medium)
1 4-ounce can green chiles
1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 ounces pepperjack cheese, shredded (about 1/2 C)
1 tsp cornstarch
1 8 oz package cream cheese, cubed
Tortilla chips for dipping

In a medium saucepan cook onion in butter until tender.  Stir in tomatoes, chile peppers, and cumin.  Heat to boiling, reduce heat.  Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Toss shredded cheese with cornstarch.  Gradually add cheese mixture to saucepan, stirring until cheese is melted.  Gradually add the cream cheese, stirring until cheese is melted and smooth.  heat through.  Serve with chips.