Copy Cat: Carino's Italian Nachos

How many times have you eaten at a restaurant and wished you could replicate the food when you are at home?

Growing up, when my sisters and I would get our report cards, we would get rewarded for our good grades by going out to eat. We either went to Charlie's in Devine or Johnny Carino's. Carino's is one of my most favorite restaurants. 


Anyways, when we go to Carino's, we always order a plate of Italian Nachos. It seems like we always discuss how they could possibly be made. 
Well my most-talented mother figured it out! So I just had to try my hand at it too! Let me tell you it's so easy! Now I want to share the recipe with you so you can get home and try this immediately.
Italian Nachos

wantons, chicken, sausage, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, olives, jalapeños

[I don't have amounts because it is so easily affected by quantity and preference. So make it your own. Also you can use sausage, chicken, or both. The tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños are also optional.]
Directions

1. Cook choice of meat. If you choose chicken either dice or shred it after it's cooked.
2. Heat Alfredo sauce. (I used canned Alfredo sauce, because of its simplicity and added a lot of spices to it while.)
3. In a skillet, heat oil. Cut wantons in preferred shape. (I cut them into triangles and strips)
4. Fry wantons. It takes only a few seconds per side to fry. Remove from oil to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
5. Plate fried wantons, top with mozzarella cheese, meat, and any other topping. Place in a low heat oven or toaster oven until cheese is melted.

This would also be a great way to make homemade chips!

Prepartying for No Apparent Reason

It's either her love of cooking, love of family and or her just showing off, either way she invites people over quite regularly. Many can vouch that they have received a phone call or text inviting them over for supper. It may be for a birthday, holiday, new keg, or for no apparent reason.


I am referring to my mother if you couldn't already figure that out! She has a gift for entertaining anyone and everyone. That is something I practice as often as I can up here at Texas A&M. Everyone remembers the entrée she makes, but what they don't realize is that the appetizers can be the hero of the party. They keep company content and their stomachs at bay while promoting conversation!


My favorite, which she doesn't make incredible often, is definitely Seven-Layer Dip. There are never really seven layers when I make it though. The layers seem to create interest and the recipe is likely to become a conversation piece, especially if you include the package of taco seasoning! It is a little time consuming, but the work will pay off. Pair that with a bag of good tortilla chips, preferably Julios, and you can guarantee your party getting off to a great start.


Mexican Layered Dip
1(16 oz) can refried beans                              1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 lg tomato                                                  1 c guacamole
1 c sour cream                                              1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c chopped green onions                            1/4 c chopped black olives


Mix the taco season into one of the layers. I have done it most often in the guacamole or sour cream layer. Then layer each item in a dish. I have used a 8 x 8in pan. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 


Don't be afraid to mix and match different ingredients. I have put browned, ground beef and that adds a different flavor to each bite! You can't mess this recipe up!


Another party fav is Cheese Dip! It is great that all you need is a block of velveta, a can of RoTel and some browned meat. Spray the hell of Pam into your crock pot and throw it all in for 1 1/2 hours. You can't go wrong with a pot of cheese dip!


Whether you are entertaining family, friends that seem like family or complete strangers, remember that a good starter or two can take your get together to the next level!