Intro to Cooking: The Ultimate Nacho Dip!

If you’ve been a CollegeCandy reader for some time, you know we run our Intro to Cooking series every week, where even the most kitchen-shy co-ed can find easy, yummy recipes to please her suitemates (and sweet tooth!). Well, we’ve changed up the syllabus for Intro to Cooking: you’ll still get the fabulous recipes you love, but we’ll be including background nutritional info on specific ingredients that are must-haves in every college girl’s pantry.

By Sara C

This Week’s Ingredient: Salsa!

Remember that episode of Seinfeld where George and Jerry are sitting in the coffee shop talking about salsa, because Jerry thinks its popularity is due to the fact that “people like to say ‘salsaaa’”? Well, not only is it fun to say, but salsa is one of the more nutritious condiments around. It is very low in calories, with virtually no fat, and contains a wealth of nutrients like vitamins A, E, C and K, potassium, copper, and manganese.

However, certain brands can contain high levels of sodium, so be sure to check packaging labels to verify that you’re not consuming more than the daily recommended intake (2,3000 mg for a healthy adult). High sodium in the American diet has recently come under attack by various health and governmental bodies,  so make sure you’re enjoying savory snacks (like the one below) in moderation!

Easy Meals

1. Add salsa and kale to your omelette for a spicy Southwestern kick.
2. Combine with brown rice and black beans (drained before cooking to remove excess sodium!) for a healthy, cheap, and easy meal.
3. Serve with carrots, celery, peppers and asparagus for an afternoon snack.

The Recipe: ULTIMATE Nacho Dip!

In honor of Memorial Day tomorrow, many of us will be taking to parks, beaches, or family gatherings to mark the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re hosting or visiting a Memorial Day celebration, I promise if you make my mother’s nacho dip you will be the hit of the party. So take thirty minutes, whip this baby up, and get ready to receive a lot of compliments!

Ingredients:

1 large container whipped cream cheese
1 16 oz. jar hot and thick salsa
1 lb. ground beef (try for 95% lean!)
1 1.25 oz packet Old El Paso taco seasoning
1 8oz bag of shredded taco cheese
Dice black olives (optional)

Directions:

1. Put the ground beef in an ungreased skillet on medium heat, stirring until it is thoroughly browned. Then strain the grease out of the pan, and return the beef to the skillet.
2. Add taco seasoning and water (according to the packet’s directions–usually 2/3 cup) to the beef and stir through, then turn off heat.
3. In a wide Pyrex or pie dish, coat the bottom with the cream cheese. After the beef has cooled, spread it evenly atop the cream cheese.
4. Add the salsa and then the shredded cheese atop the beef, so there are four distinct layers. Garnish with black olives and serve with tortilla chips or jicama for a healthier (yet equally crispy) option.