posts may contain Amazon affiliate links, which earn me a small commission when you buy (but doesn't cost you anything extra). Occasionally I receive free products and/or run sponsored posts—this will always be stated clearly in the post. Thank you for supporting this blog.

This website contains some quotations, excerpts, and screen clips from copyrighted material. These uses fall well within the copyright doctrine of "Fair Use".
Sunday, August 8, 2010

Querétaro-style ChoriQuesos & a GIVEAWAY (a really, really awesome giveaway!)

This is one of the simplest...and tastiest...quick-meals ever!  ChoriQueso varies from region to region...but not by much!  Most places it's a cheesy dip-like pot for dipping tortillas in...but, Mexi is from Querétaro where they always put it between two tortillas and melt it up or so he says...and this is how they make it there. 
Querétaro-style ChoriQuesos
from the kitchen of girli Mexichef
Use as much of the ingredients as you like...smother it in cheese if you're a cheeseslut like I am...or if you don't like as much cheese...add more chorizo.  It's up to you!

Chorizo, homemade
Oaxaca (or mozzarella) cheese, shredded
extras:
cilantro
fresh salsa
avocado
crema

Cook the chorizo in a skillet until browned and cooked through.  If you're chorizo was fatty, drain off the fat and return chorizo to skillet.

Heat a comal or heavy skillet until hot.  Put one tortilla on the hot skillet...sprinkle it all over with chorizo.  Sprinkle the cheese all over the top of the chorizo.  Add any of the extras you wish (although if you're using crema, I'd wait and use that for drizzling).  Top with another tortilla.  As the cheese begins to melt, press down lightly with a spatula to dispurse the cheese...flip it once the bottom tortilla is golden and crisp.  Once the second side is golden and crisp...remove from skillet and enjoy! 


So, maybe  you noticed my gorgeous Talavera Plate that the ChoriQuesos were resting on.  This one...
 ...pretty gorgeous, huh?  Well, I was fortunate enough to receive a $75. gift certificate from NOVICA to use as I pleased...and this was how I pleased!
What's even better?  Well, NOVICA was generous enough to offer one of my readers a chance to win a $75. gift certificate for themselves! While I'm sure that some of you know of NOVICA...perhaps you've even ordered some amazing handcrafted items from them before...I bet somebody out there is asking...who/what is NOVICA!?  Well, NOVICA is a website, in association with National Geographic who's mission is:

" ...to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.


At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.


We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it."     ~taken from the NOVICA website

I'm gonna warn you now....you WILL lose yourself in their website...but you'll be lost in a world of beauty!  They offer unique gifts...everything from fair trade corporate gifts to your my dream glasses and plates, to silver and turquoise jewelry, to apparel and handbags, to gifts for the animal lover.  I've already wish-listed a bazillion things, including some awesome photographs!  You'll even find green gifts for the eco-conscious!

Okay, sounds good awesome, right!? Well, if you would like the chance to win the $75. gift certificate from NOVICA, here's the skinny....

$75. NOVICA GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY!

*This giveaway is open to anybody who wants to enter, BUT I do recommend  you first check out the NOVICA Shipping Page to see if they ship to your location...and how much the duties/taxes/etc. would be before you enter if you are located outside of the U.S.

*The winner will receive an e-certificate (I will email you a code which you can enter upon check-out at the NOVICA site) worth $75.

*All entries are due by Monday, August 16th at 11:59 PM (Eastern time).  I will announce the winner by random draw shortly after.  The winner will need to contact me via email to receive their gift certificate.

Okay, now that you've double-checked all of that info, here's what you have to do to enter:

-REQUIRED:  Head on over to the NOVICA website...look around (don't get lost), come back and leave a comment telling me what you think you might like to get with your $75. gift certificate if you win.  Don't worry, it doesn't have to be food-related.  Please make sure you have a profile that leads back to your blog/website...or if you don't have one, leave your email address in the comment.

That will get you one entry into the giveaway.  For extra chances to win, you can also do each of the following things, each one is worth an entry....BUT you MUST leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each one  you've done for them all to count as separate entries!  All things that aren't listed on my sidebar for easy clicking will have a link in bold type...hover and click!

-Become a follower my blog on my sidebar (or let me know that you already are)

-Subscribe to my RSS feed on my sidebar (or let me know that you already do)

-Follow ME on twitter (or let me know that you already do)

-Follow NOVICA on twitter (or let me know that you already do)

-Tweet about this giveaway.  You can simply copy and paste this for ease:   RT @girlichef is having a #GIVEAWAY http://bit.ly/bC8HCp $75. gift certificate from @Novica Enter Now!

 -LIKE girlichef on Facebook on my sidebar towards bottom (or let me know you already do)

-follow girlichef on Networked Blogs on my sidebar towards bottom (or let me know you already do)

-LIKE Novica on Facebook (or let me know you already do)

-Share this giveaway on Facebook...tag @girlichef and @novica in your share.

-Put a link to my giveaway in a blog post or a link on your sidebar...be sure to leave a link to the post in comments...or just let me know it's on the sidebar.

Okay, so that is TEN extra entries after the required entry is done.  Good Luck to everybody!!!


This post is linked to:
24TbadgeGIRLICHEFTuesdayTwister#cheeseslut
Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist


Photobucket
...just another cool little tidbit about NOVICA...they have the "first-ever microfinance website where customers can purchase products and lend money directly to artisans."  This means that small artisans the ability to build up credit they may otherwise be able to get...it will help them and their business!  Best of all, they are no-interest loans!  If you're able, consider donating...every dollar helps.

Would you like to comment?

  1. I could eat a choriqueso everyday and be happy as ever! Extra cheese for me, please :)

    I'm loving the plate you chose and hadn't noticed it before. This NOVICA stuff is pretty awesome stuff.
    I'm kinda liking this moonstone ring,
    http://india.novica.com/jewelry/rings/moonstone-cocktail-ring-charm/143930/ but I also love some of their homemade soaps, and I loved the sangria pitcher that Deb showed on her site. Lots of fun stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  2. and I follow you on twitter even though I never get on twitter - LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  3. and, I think I'm a facebook buddy unless you have a separate account for girlichef??

    ReplyDelete
  4. ok...before i get lost and forget why I came here...YUMMY ChoriQuesos. Btw...I'm heading to Alabama in a few days and I'm going to make your Chorizo while I'm there (brother is begging for some mexican food).
    I want the cotton table cloth and napkins called Tropical Palms.

    Now i have lots of entries to do. see ya in a minute

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have you in my google reader thingy....is that the same as an RSS feed? (I don't know sheeeeeit. i'm such a mess)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I already follow you on twitter :) (cheers)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm following Novica on twitter (whew...I've been busy)

    ReplyDelete
  8. ya'll are tweeted. (limencello must be kickin in, I'm getting a southern accent a few days too soon)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I already like you on facebook (but that doesn't mean I don't like you anywhere else, I like you no matter where you are....LOL)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I follow you on Network Blogs (almost done here)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm following Novica on Facebook
    (btw...my verification words have been really dumb. just sayin)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for sharing the awesome gift certificate! I love everything from NG and have spent way too many hours watching Pete's Pond with my son.

    What would I pick from the shop? Something from the chunky silver jewelry motherlode, but don't ask me to narrow it down!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Aaaand....last but not least (and I'm totally out of breath from running my butt off around the web)....YOU have been FB'd :) and my glass is empty. Something is terribly wrong with this picture

    ReplyDelete
  14. ...and I'm already following you on my Google reader :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Girlie. I love that Talavera plate. There's a place called Escalon out this way that sells imported Talavera and I went there one day and practically bought out the store. Well not really, but I almost got the whole set of dishware. I still need more to complete the set. Someday I'll go back. Yes please enter me in your giveaway and I already follow you and I will go check out Novica and be back to tell you what I would buy. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I did go to Novica and there are too many wonderful things. I would probably choose Talavera anything. Okay then...I will put a link about your giveaway on my blog if not today then tomorrow. Okay. Have a great Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow... MexiChef makes up some tasty looking food!!!!

    And I would LOVE to win a gift cert to Novica! There's a lot of really cool stuff there! If I actually won, I think I'd pick the Ceramic Carafe & Glass.

    http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=159225

    =)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Of course I already follow and drool over your blog! =)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I already follow you on twitter =)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm following Novica on twitter =)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Re-tweeted =)

    http://twitter.com/woodlandspryte/status/20676525260

    ReplyDelete
  22. I already like you on facebook =)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I already follow you on Networked Blogs =)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have liked Novica on Facebook =)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Queso. And chorizo. Between two tortillas. Um, can you say genius?

    ReplyDelete
  26. And last but not least, I have pimped your giveaway on facebook =)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Loving the ChoriQuesos and the plate is gorgeous. I won't enter your fabulous giveaway having just done one of my own, and not wanting to be a Novica-hog--as tempting as it is. lol! Best of luck to everyone entering--it's a great prize. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  28. My favorite melty cheese and homemade chorizo? I'd eat that combo with just about anything!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would buy myself the silver skeleton dangling earrings and wear um for DOTD my fav holiday of all time. I Novica, fantastic things to drool over.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, that is a great giveaway and love your serving plate. Would love to get that for sure. But, I would like to get one of these:

    http://paintings.novica.com/folk-art-paintings/india/

    http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=151337

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yes, I noticed that platter, first thing! How could you not? It's gorgeous.

    If I won, I think I'd have to choose one of those hand carved coconut sculptures - they're gorgeous. Since I am currently obsessed with dragonflies, I love the "Dancing Dragonflies" one. http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=169899

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am following Novica on Twitter @mynew30

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am following Novica on Facebook from my personal account.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hey Heather,

    I realy like the Floral Fiesta Serving Set on the Novica sight...if I had to pick just one:D

    ReplyDelete
  35. Looks like I already follow you on networked blogs BBFF:D

    ReplyDelete
  36. Looks like I already am a follower on Twitter too:D

    ReplyDelete
  37. YUM...I've never had a choriqueso, but being a fellow 'cheeseslut' I think I need these in my life.
    I've seen a few things I've really liked from Novica, never bought anything though.

    ReplyDelete
  38. You know me -- I'm already a happy follower!

    foodfloozie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. It would be a VERY hard decision, but I might buy one of the gorgeous colorful pitchers ... I only have boring plastic ones for iced tea, and it would be nice to have something more festive ....

    foodfloozie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Now following on Twitter ....

    foodfloozie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Now following Novica on Twitter ....

    ReplyDelete
  42. Omigad I LOVE Novica... I have this rug that my husband hates so I drape it over my chair and it's now my throne....

    I already follow you in RSS, and I am now a fan on facebook too :)

    And I want a huichol mask... been coveting one for years!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Beautiful! The plate, too!

    Awesome giveaway, Yay! =)

    ReplyDelete
  44. OMG those look incredible, Heather! I'm drooling now.

    And you are evil for linking me to that site. Instant addiction! I love this pitcher: http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=117461

    ReplyDelete
  45. Que delicioso se ve esto. Quiero un bocadito. SAludos

    ReplyDelete
  46. OMG you just made me so hungry its not even funny!! Get ready for a barrage of tweets from me! Here's my first one:
    THIS is so fabulous, I've been wanting a water pitcher for my bedroom, and I love, love, LOVE this:
    http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=159225

    ReplyDelete
  47. AND I already follow you on Twitter. :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. AND I already follow your blog....

    ReplyDelete
  49. AND, AND, AND I just tweeted your giveaway! Yaya!

    ReplyDelete
  50. This looks pretty tasty to me. The NOVICA site has some awesome
    merchandise, however I really like the platter you chose.
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  51. Oooh, I think that adorable blue elephant teapot needs me!!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Just came back to let you know I am now following you on Twitter and posted your giveaway link on twitter as well. Ta Ta

    ReplyDelete
  53. I am a follower. Love the recipe. I'd love the woven tablerunners on the Novica site.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I also follow you on my google reader.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I can't decide which is prettier! The food or the plate! Seriously, they look awesome!

    Ok, so I went to the website and immediately went to handbags. I totally have a thing for purses and bags. I bookmarked it so I could go back, there were some awesome ones! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  56. These ChoriQuesos are divine on their own but then you had to go and throw in a great giveaway, too! 8-)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I almost got lost! Those Wood Bowls and Ceramic Bowls are my favorite :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Delicious ChoriQuesos and that serving plate looks gorgeous. If I get to win, I will buy their Tapestries or Mirrors.

    Have already subscribed to your feeds and following you on twitter/fb.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am so happy to have found your blog through GNOFGLINS Tuesday Twister! This looks and sounds marvelous. If I were to win, I would like to have one of these:
    http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=89800

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Cotton blouse, 'Cool Day' and Chrysocolla dangle earrings, 'Memory' are my choices. Beautiful items.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I subscribe to your RSS feed

    time4flowers@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I like you on facebook.
    time4flowers at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. This looks great, I would go crazy with the avocados on this one.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm a cheese slut too! And this look insanely delicious! The plate is gorgeous. I love the star plates they have for appetizers and canapes and also the mirror image fruit tray. You're right - the place is addicting!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'm a follower through Google friends.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I want the Fiesta serving dish.

    Great Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  67. I have been lost there before - I love the ceramic bowls - Invitations.
    I am seriously going to show up on your door step some day for lunch - food stalker oh yes I am!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Oh my goodness they have many lovely things on that site. Love the Eggshell mosaic vase, 'Rock Eggs' from Thailand.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Am an RSS follower. (Wish I did facebook, twitter or write a blog for zillions more entries, but this is all I can manage!)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Whooo hoo! first off, that queso is one of my FAVORITE dishes! Never thought to put it between tortillas like that--YUMMY!!! I would love to enter the contest too! I tweet, follow, facebook and google reader you. I will also put up a link to this on my thoughts on friday, and I want the SAME plate you have! :) thanks for hosting and posting on the two for tuesday recipe blog hop! :) Alex@amoderatelife

    ReplyDelete
  71. Great ChoriQuesos! And a great giveaway also. I saw a wooden bowl that looks great and I am enjoy following you!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Oh my goodness, the jewelry is so beautiful! I'd put the $75 toward this lovely necklace: http://jewelry.novica.com/necklaces/$50-to-$100/silver-pendant-necklace-autumn-bouquet/172628/

    ReplyDelete
  73. I subscribe to the RSS feed for your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  74. And, just so I seem like a complete stalker, I also like you on Facebook. :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love the plate you chose but try as I might, I couldn't find it so you must have got a one of a kind dish! I like the aluminum "spirals" serving plate too!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I found some to-die-for earrings in the gift section that I'd love to have.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Too many lovely things to choose from at NOVICA, thanx for the opportunity to participate in the givezway!

    jennyarzola (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  78. i subscribed thru email

    jennyarzola (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I'm glad I didn't miss this NOVICA has a wonderful selection of stuff. I love the jewelry, and the handbags, and the cobalt pitcher.

    ReplyDelete
  80. I already follow your blog here! It's wonderful!!

    ReplyDelete
  81. and I just tweeted RT @girlichef is having a #GIVEAWAY http://bit.ly/bC8HCp $75. gift certificate from @Novica Enter Now!
    about your giveaway on twitter via @lyndzz

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hey GirliChef, will you please share this giveaway at Monday Mania? I think some folks over my way would love to know about it! Hope to "see" you there!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Your Choriquesos look delicious, and the plate is gorgeous too! Please enter me in your giveaway- there are so many beautiful things on the website! In addition to the lovely plate you found, I also saw some nice dessert plates and also an Ate grass tray that I wouldn't turn down!
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I have also signed up to follow your blog on Google friend connect.

    ReplyDelete
  85. ...And I have "liked" you on facebook! Too bad I don't Tweet!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Novica has a treat website. I collect leaf plates and dishes so would choose one of those if I win.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I have subscribed to your rSS feed

    ReplyDelete
  88. Thanks for sharing this cool giveaway at Monday Mania this week! You get a lot of comments on your blog, girl! That rocks!!

    ReplyDelete