Olivia's Chili Con Queso

OLIVIA'S CHILI CON QUESO

This time of year (where we live) you need something to warm you during the cold weather and maybe you even need something yummy to munch on while watching a game.  Olivia offers this great recipe that can be as tame or spicy as you like.  She reports her husband even enjoyed spreading it on a warm tortilla and rolling it up. Use your favorite sausage and add interest with just the right amount of jalapeno to taste and black beans for even more texture.   Yum!
-Nanette

Olivia's Chili Con Queso

1/2 lb. ground pork sausage (This could be mild, hot, etc.  I used plain sausage.)
1 small red onion, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (Remove the seeds if you want it to be milder; add another jalapeño if you
                                           want to kick up the heat!)
3 tablespoons dried onion flake
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, optional
1/2 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 large brick of MEXICAN Velveeta Cheese, cubed
1 cup salsa
3/4 cup sour cream

Over medium heat, brown sausage while separating it into small pieces.  If your pan doesn't have enough drippings to brown the veggies, add the vegetable oil.  If you have enough drippings, don't add the oil.  Add in the red onion, jalapeño, and onion flake.  Stir to combine and sauté for two minutes.  Dump the black beans in, and continue to cook for two more minutes.  Place the cubes of Mexican Velveeta on top of the mixture, and reduce the heat to low-medium.  Stir the mixture so the cheese doesn't burn. After the cheese is melted, stir in the salsa and sour cream.  Serve while the mixture is warm with tortilla chips!