Coogirl Candy Skillet Queso Fundido

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Coogirl Candy Skillet Queso Fundido

Featuring

This melty skillet queso fundido layers three cheeses with sweet heat from Coogirl Candy. Chopped candied jalapeños are folded straight into the cheese mixture for pops of flavor, and the syrup is whisked into a quick finishing drizzle that gives the top a glossy, appetizing shine.

Ingredients

Cheese Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup chopped Coogirl Candy jalapeños, drained well
• 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 1 tablespoon Coogirl Candy syrup (from the jar)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of kosher salt, to taste

Coogirl Candy Finishing Drizzle

• 2 tablespoons Coogirl Candy syrup
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon warm water, if needed to thin slightly

To Serve

• Warm tortilla chips
• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics
   1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   2. Heat olive oil in an 8 inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
   3. Add diced onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
   4. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
   5. Add the chopped Coogirl Candy jalapeños and cook 1 minute to warm and coat them in the oil.
   6. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Build the cheese mixture
   1. In a bowl combine shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar.
   2. Add milk, 1 tablespoon Coogirl Candy syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, and a small pinch of salt.
   3. Toss gently until the cheeses are evenly coated.
   4. Spread the sautéed onion and Coogirl Candy jalapeños evenly across the bottom of the warm skillet.
   5. Top with the cheese mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
3. Bake until bubbly
   1. Place the skillet in the preheated oven.
   2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.
   3. If you like a browned top, switch to broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until light golden spots appear.
   4. Remove skillet from the oven and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese settles slightly but is still very melty.
4. Prepare the Coogirl Candy finishing drizzle
   1. In a small bowl stir together 2 tablespoons Coogirl Candy syrup and lime juice.
   2. If the mixture is very thick, add 1 teaspoon warm water and stir until it is just thin enough to drizzle from a spoon.
5. Finish the queso fundido
   1. Drizzle the warm Coogirl Candy lime mixture over the top of the hot cheese in a loose zigzag.
   2. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.
6. Serve
   1. Serve the skillet immediately while the cheese is stretchy and hot.
   2. Offer warm tortilla chips and tortillas for scooping.
   3. Serve with lime wedges and place the jar of Coogirl Candy on the table so guests can spoon extra candied jalapeños on top if they like more heat.

Tips

• For a heartier version, add cooked chorizo or seasoned ground beef to the skillet along with the onions before topping with cheese.
• Keep the skillet over a low flame on a gas stove or set on a small warming burner to maintain the melty texture during a party.
• Leftover queso can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, then used as a sauce over baked potatoes or vegetables.