Putting the Fun in Fundido

In the interests of multiculturalism, the Thinkers did a little investigation and discovered that, among the citizens of Latin America it is common to have an afternoon fiesta every day.  We were so thrilled by this discovery, that we went right out and made a delicious pan of Queso Fundido (recipe to follow) and a batch of frozen margaritas.

Imagine our surprise when, upon further investigation, we found that Someone had got their consonants a little mixed up.  Slithey Tove will not be competing for Wheel of Fortune anytime soon.  While we had been musing with delight on the happy habit of our Southern neighbors to party the afternoon hours away, the truth is that all they do is nap.  They call it a siesta ("s" as in STUPID instead of "f" as in fun).  Disappointment reigned for a while, but, after all, government-funded studies must go on even when the premise has been found completely in error.  So, we had some delicious enchiladas today.  Viva la fiesta!

Mome Rath's Queso Fundido (adapted from Bobby Flay)

1 T. butter
1 T. flour
1 c. milk
12oz grated Monterey Jack
Salt and Pepper
8oz goat cheese, sliced into 8 rounds
2 T. chopped cilantro
Salsa Verde
Tortilla chips

  Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add flour and cook, whisking for 1 minute.  Whisk in milk and cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in Monterey Jack and salt and pepper to taste.  Turn on broiler.  Scrape cheese mixture into an 8" baking dish and arrange goat cheese rounds on top.  Broil until golden brown in spots.  Drizzle liberally with salsa verde and sprinkle with cilantro.  Enjoy with chips!