Not 'Cho Average Nachos

Sometimes you just need some nachos for dinner. This is another great dish that allows you to use up whatever you have hanging around the kitchen. I like mine with smokey black beans, sweet yellow peppers, tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Jack cheese is great because stays soft and melty to the last bite.

Recipe for Not 'Cho Average Nachos:

• Tortilla chips
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• One can of black beans, drained (you'll use about 1/2 can per plate of nachos)
• 1/4 yellow pepper, diced
• 1 small tomato, seeds and juice removed and diced
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• Sour cream
• Optional extras: guacamole/avocados, salsa, corn, jalapenos, chicken, beef, etc. I like to cook the beans seasoned with minced garlic, hot Tabasco sauce, cumin and kosher salt.

Heat the oven to 425. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beans with the minced garlic, hot sauce, a pinch of cumin and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. Arrange the first layer of chips on an ovenproof plate and prepare the other ingredients while the beans cook. Scatter the beans across the chips, and add desired amount of shredded cheese. Arrange another layer of chips, and top with more cheese. Scatter the tomatoes, peppers and green onions across the top. Stick the plate in the oven for about 5-8 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the edges of the top chips start to brown. Remove from the oven (don't forget the hot pads!) and top with sour cream. Devour.