My opportunity as a Hormel Extended Family Blogger is inspiring a little Iron Chef for Smarty Pants Mamas this week!  Let’s try using an ingredient that is often a pantry staple.  It’s used “as-is.”  It’s used in appetizers, entrees and more.  Think of ways you have or could use it.

So, this week I put before you…. Hormel® Chili with Beans!

Yummy! How can you use it?

Here’s my favorite way (compliments of my step-mother-in-law) of using it in a quick and easy appetizer!

It’s always a crowd pleaser and a staple anytime the guys are watching the game! Many variations can be found of this dip.  Maybe you have your own.

Mexi-Melt of Beans

Ingredients

• 1 can of Hormel® Chili with Beans (without beans if you prefer)
• 1 box of cream cheese
• 1 package of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 325, or have microwave ready.  In an oven-safe/microwave-safe medium sized glass dish, spread cream cheese across the bottom.

Pour and spread across the Hormel® chili with beans.

Sprinkle cheese on top.

Place in oven or microwave until cheese has melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

So how would you use a can of Hormel® Chili with Beans ?  In an appetizer?  As an ingredient in a dinner dish?  Check out the recipes at http://www.hormelfoodsrecipes.com/ for some inspiration!

I challenge you to take on a can of  Hormel® Chili with Beans and make the most fabulous appetizer or meal!  Share as a comment to the post, a quick and easy recipe that uses chili.  Be creative and have fun!  I will compile a list with all your suggestions and include it in a future post!

Disclosure: I am currently a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement in the Group. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiments stated are my own.