Colorado Proud

Southeastern Colorado’s hot dry summer days, rich soil and pure water provide the perfect environment for growing chile peppers. Pueblo chile pungency ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 Scoville Heat Units and are comparable to moderate jalapeño peppers. Look for Colorado chiles at your local grocery store, farmers’ market or at restaurants across the state.

Each month the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown in the state. Watch a Colorado State Fair presentation of Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC and Ace Hardware grill expert, preparing his recipe for beer queso at www.youtube.com by searching “Chef Jason Morse- Beer Queso.” Visit www.coloradoproud.org for a complete list of recipes.

Beer Queso

12 ounces thick cut applewood bacon, diced medium
1 small yellow onion, diced small
2 Pueblo chile peppers, cleaned, halved, diced small
1 red bell pepper, cleaned, halved, diced small
1 pound chorizo sausage
4-6 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 cup jalapeño jack cheese, shredded
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
4 tablespoons masa flour
18 ounces amber beer
Diced tomatoes for garnish
Chopped cilantro for garnish   

Heat Dutch oven on high heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook until half cooked and starts to caramelize. Slowly add the onions, Pueblo chile peppers and red pepper. Sauté the onions and peppers over high heat, until slightly colored, approximately 5 minutes.

Add the Cajun seasoning and stir well, then add the ground chorizo and stir. Cook chorizo about 75% of the way, approximately 5 minutes.

Pull all ingredients to the center and make a mound. Add both cheeses to the top of the mound, then add the masa on top. Pour the beer over the top of the mound and allow to filter down through the ingredients.

Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the masa has had a chance to thicken the queso. Remove from heat, then place the tomatoes in the center of the queso. Add the cilantro and stir to combine. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.