Gouda Times

Regular readers know of my affinity for nachos (see Little Ricky's Nachos). I must admit that I never really stray from traditional cheeses (i.e., asiago, queso, jack, etc) - until now, that is. I truly had a nacho epiphany over the weekend when visiting our friends Ann and Kevin's cottage. We go at least once a year for fun and laughter, drinks and food, beach and bonfires Always fun and always a good time. Funny thing, this year we all had nachos on the brain. They brought fresh tortilla chips and salsa from the Mexican take out near their home. We brought blue chips made locally in Detroit, guacamole and cherry salsa (it being cherry country and all). All that was missing was chicken and cheese - but to my surprise, Ann chose smoked Gouda on our quick trip to the local market. I played along, not wanting to seem like a food rube. Truth is, I was a bit perplexed - smoked Gouda nachos?! Needless to say, they were delicious, especially with the cherry salsa. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, just like Ann and Kevin. (My apologies, I was having such a good time, I forgot to take a picture)

In the age of sitcom spin offs (1974), Maude sired Good Times (after having spun from All in the Family itself). Set in a Chicago housing development (how they got from Tuckahoe, NY to Chicago is beyond me - TV magic I guess), it is the story of Florida (Maude's maid) and James Evans and their three children. The eldest of whom was the comedian Jimmy "JJ" Walker. With his denim floppy hat and DY-NO-MITE tag line, he became the breakout star of the series. The trials and tribulations of an African-American family trying to make it against the odds and "the Man" became the anthem for the show. And JJ's art, especially black Jesus, gave America a realistic view into urban life. The show eventually ran out of unemployment and drug dealer story lines and finally jumped the shark with the addition of a very young Janet Jackson (before she was Miss Jackson if you were nasty) as the cute new neighbor with a deep dark secret. Temporary lay offs, good times. Easy credit rip offs, good times. Scratchin and surviving, good times. Ain't we lucky we got 'em? Good times.

The Recipe:

2 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
6 ounces shredded smoked Gouda
Fresh tortilla chips
Guacamole
Salsa (preferably cherry)
Onions, chopped
Tomatoes, chopped

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil *for easy clean up). Spread chips in a single layer, add shredded chicken and liberally sprinkle the Gouda over the chicken and chips. Broil until cheese is melted. Quicker than you can say dynamite, you have a tasty treat. Serve with guac. salsa, onions and tomato so partakers can garnish as they wish.

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