Penalty!

There is a flag on the table for premature celebration! Last week I celebrated the end of the pre-season but there is one final pre-season game. Tonight the Bears play the Cleveland Browns.

That's the $1 Billion Cleveland Browns. The team was recently sold to Jimmy Haslam III - owner of the Pilot Flying J travel centers. There are 294 locations in the US and, yes, one of them is in Champaign. Tonight's menu could be McDonald's courtesy of Pilot Flying J. However, the NFL hasn't voted to approve the sale yet so perhaps a menu more traditional for Cleveland is appropriate. Make your choice Bears fans. Kick off is at 6:30.

Bench Dishes Up a Treat

Hainey and Knox looked good; Robbie made his field goal.

It was a good night as da Bears beat the Browns 24-14 while I munched on some delish Queso Fundido. It's quick and easy to make and is a great tailgate or arm chair treat. So while Bears management is culling the roster to the final 53, dip in to this monstrous cheese dip.

Queso Fundido

Ingredients:

1/2 tsp. lard or bacon fat

1/3 cup well-drained canned tomatoes

1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped

1 mild fresh green chile pepper, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/8 tsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup queso fresco

1/4 cup Chihuahua cheese

2 oz. chorizo sausage

Flour tortillas or Nacho chips

Sliced jalapeno pepper for garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat lard in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

2, Add the next five ingredients and saute until tender.

3. Stir in the sugar and salt.

4. Gently melt the cheese in a double boiler over medium heat or in the microwave until the cheese is just melted and combined.

5. Meanwhile, cook the chorizo in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

6. Add the meat to the cheese mixture.

7. Stir in the tomato mixture and heat thoroughly. Pour into a stoneware crock or au gratin pan. Garnish with sliced jalapenos.

Serve with a serving spoon and warm flour tortillas or nacho chips.

To eat, scoop a little of the mixture unto the middle of a tortilla, roll up and fold in the edges.

It's okay to eat with your fingers.

You Have To Be Kidding

Cleveland's food is - how do I say this - scary! Hanky Pankies and Sauerkraut Balls top the list. Thank goodness it's pre-season because I'm bringing in my bench. Apparently the Hispanic community has a huge influence on local foods - Thank You!. So I'm going with Queso Fundido. You've gotta love immigration!