Butternut Squash Queso

I fell in love with butternut squashes this fall, so when I was watching Food Network and saw them make a queso with butternut squash on The Kitchen I knew I had to try this recipe.  My kids ate this queso and did not know that it was made with squash.  I just told them it was a homemade queso.  If you prefer your queso a little more spicy you can use double the pepper jack cheese and skip the cheddar. I made my children nachos using whole wheat Tostitos and taco seasoned ground beef mixed with chopped green peppers, onions, and cauliflower.  I put the queso over a taco and then over salads for lunch.  You can use the queso as a dip or topping on salads, tacos, nachos, or even sandwiches. 

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

½ butternut squash peeled, and cubed

4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½-1 teaspoon chipotle powder

½ -1 cup milk

Directions:

1. Add shredded cheese to a medium bowl.  Mix together and sprinkle with cornstarch.
2. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.  Spray with olive oil or coconut oil spray.  Sprinkle the chipotle powder over the squash. Sauté the butternut squash stirring often for 5 minutes. 
3. Add ½ cup water and continue to cook the squash for 10 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat and transfer squash and water to a blender or food processor.
5. Pulse/blend to mix. 
6. Add the milk and mix.
7. Transfer back to the skillet over medium heat.  Whisk in the cheese until the sauce is silky and smooth.
8. Enjoy the queso over tacos, nachos, salads, sandwiches, and more.