– 1 large bag of your favorite tortilla chips
– 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or mix it up with a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby)
– 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 fresh, ripe tomato, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove the seeds if you like it less fiery)
– 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup of sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned will do)
– 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef (optional)
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit, kind of like warming a room before good friends arrive.
2. Take a large tin foil tray and spread out a generous layer of those crunchy tortilla chips as the foundation of your culinary masterpiece.
3. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips; this is the glue that holds the joy together.
4. Carefully distribute all of the black beans, chopped tomato, red onion, jalapeño slices, black olives, and sweet corn over the cheese. If you’ve opted for some heartier fare, add your cooked chicken or beef atop the vegetables.
5. Shower the remaining cheese over everything, like the first gentle snowfall blanketing the ground.
6. Season with a touch of salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the best dishes are like life itself – a balance of flavors.
7. Place the tray in the oven and let the magic happen for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and proudly golden.
8. Carefully remove from the oven and let it sit for just a moment before sprinkling with fresh cilantro.
Variations & Tips:
You can mix it up with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand—bell peppers and zucchini make lovely additions. For something even more festive, sprinkle a bit of taco seasoning over the cheese before it goes into the oven for that extra zing. And, bless your heart, don’t fret about the brand of tortilla chips; just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold your lovingly placed toppings.
Now remember, these are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, steaming and inviting. So gather your friends and family ’round the table, roll up your sleeves, and dig into a comforting treat that tastes like laughter and good company. Enjoy, my dears!
