serious comfort food.

Is the rain getting to you, too?
Feeling like comfort food restaurant-style?

Here's a recipe that will knock your socks off
while you watch the American Idol finale tonight!

I knew I had to get the recipe for these nachos, after my sister took us to Mambo's, an Italian eatery in Missoula, Montana last year. Unfortunately, Mambo's does not like to share the secrets to their goodness on the web, so I had to find an alternative.

Here is a copy-cat version of Johnny Carino's Italian Nachos:

serves 4

1 pkg. wontons (found in produce section), cut on the diagonal to form triangles (Pita chips might be a great option, too. I'm going to give those awesome chips a try next time).

1 pkg. ground sausage, sauteed until browned

1 6 oz. pkg. grilled chicken pieces (found in salad or meat section) or you might use rotisserie chicken or cook up some chicken from the freezer (you want it seasoned).

1 jar pepperochini peppers (I use mild)

shaved Parmesan for garnish

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

jalapenos (optional)

For the cheese sauce:

4 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. garlic, minced

3 Tbsp. flour

2 1/2 C. half and half

2 1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a heavy, medium saucepan melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and then flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium and whisk in the half and half little by little. Cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat; add 2 C. grated Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Cover and set aside.

2. Heat a heavy saucepan or deep-fryer to medium. Cook the wontons until light brown. Watch carefully! This only takes a few seconds per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain.

3. Pile the wontons on a large serving platter, or individual plates (like I prefer). Drizzle with warm cheese sauce. Add sausage, chicken, tomatoes, olives and peppers. Top with shaved Parmesan.

4. DEVOUR!

This recipe and image was taken from Divine Domesticity, minus a few of my tweaks.

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