TIN CAN NACHOS

YIELDS: 8 Servings PREP TIME: 15 mins COOK TIME: 10 mins TOTAL TIME: 25 mins

Gather the family 'round for this awesome tower of tin can nachos! An interactive meal and a great way to sneak some veggies in!

INGREDIENTS:

Tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 lb Smoked pork (or any leftover smoked meat you have on hand)
2 avocados, cubed
½ cup fresh corn off the cob
1 small zucchini, diced
BBQ sauce

Cheese Sauce
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, queso, something other than cheddar)
Splash of white wine (optional)
1 pinch black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg

Optional Toppings
Pico de gallo
Sliced jalapeños or poblanos
Thinly sliced radishes
Cilantro
Pickled onions
Mexican crema

Tools 
Cutting board 
Knife
Large baking sheet
Saucepan
Large tin can with top and bottom removed 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat your oven's broiler.
  2. Lay out all ingredients for the nachos on a large sheet pan and cover with plenty of shredded cheese. (Go light on the BBQ sauce as you don't want to overpower it.)
  3. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the chips have started to brown.
  4. To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir until thickened.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheese, wine, and seasonings.
  7. To assemble, place a tin can mold (a large tin can/coffee can with the top and bottom removed) on a large plate and pour a small amount of cheese sauce on the bottom.
  8. Use tongs to begin added the chip mixture. When the can is about halfway filled with nachos, add more cheese sauce.
  9. Fill with the remaining chips and top with the remaining cheese sauce.
  10. Add your final toppings (pico de gallo, jalapenos, etc.) then slowly slide the tin can off and show off your amazing tower of nachos! Enjoy!