Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe Chili Con Queso Dip

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Wisconsin Jack cheese, shredded
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed, diced and stems removed (see note)
• 6 ounces pimentos
• 1/4 Vidalia onion, roasted and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 percent
• 1 jalapeño, roasted, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons diced and roasted red peppers
  

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a large, deep pan and simmer on low for about 30 minutes or until cheese is completely melted, stirring occasionally.
2. Serve with chips or bread.

Source: Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe, Phoenix, Arizona

Yield: about 15 servings

Due to the recent recall of fresh spinach because of E. coli contamination, you may want to substitute 1 small package of frozen spinach for the fresh in this recipe. Thaw the frozen spinach then squeeze out all excess water using a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels before adding.

If you do use fresh, and the bacteria contamination is on the surface of the spinach, cooking fresh spinach at a temperature of 155 degrees F or higher for 15 seconds will kill E. coli, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Approximate values per serving for the dip: 262 calories, 21 g fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 16 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 0 fiber, 409 mg sodium, 72 percent calories from fat