by Macki Feb 27th, 2011 // Swell Suppers

Swell Supper: Nacho Bar, Ole!

This weekend two of my sisters came down from Oregon for a girls weekend with Misti, our other sister, and I. Sylvie sees this as an opportunity to show off her advancing cooking skills to all her aunts. And since some of us are vegetarian and others meat lovers we decided on a Nacho Bar with Crunchy Vegetarian (or not) Nachos made with Crock Pot Fajita’s, homemade Chips and Salsa and Guacamole.  For dessert an array of mouthwatering fresh fruit.

Begin cooking this meal with the Crockpot fajita’s. We are only making the chicken, not the peppers. You will need at least 5 hours to prep and cook the chicken, so time it accordingly.

About an hour before the chicken is done get started on the the fruit. Choose any of your favorite fruit or what’s in season and arrange it on a platter. Once the fruit is finished begin making the chips. The type of tortillas used to make the chips is key to great nachos. Good quality corn tortillas (my favorite is white corn) won’t snap when you fold them or crumble and be dry if you eat them straight from the package. When I can, I go to a grocer that makes them fresh every day and I can’t help but to eat several before I get out of the store! When the chips are in the oven get started on the guacamole. Kids love mushing up the avocado. Check on the chips, they may need to come out at this point. Now make the salsa. Using a food processor makes it so quick and easy and fun to watch. Place the salsa in a bowl and make the beans for the nachos in the food processor.

Time to set up the Nacho Bar. Get out bowls for the vegetarian black beans, shredded Mexican blend cheese, shredded romaine lettuce, sour cream (or use nonfat plain yogurt as a healthy alternative), black olives, green onions, spiced carrots, jalapeños and any other fixins you prefer. Now it’s time to shred the chicken. Once you’ve placed the baked chips on plates call everyone in to top their chips with all the favorite, fresh toppings and bake for about 5 minutes.

After dinner bring the fruit platter to the table and let everyone serve themselves this fresh and delicious treat. Now doesn’t that sound swell?