This entry is as much blog as it is recipe from a Yankee who moved to "the Big D" (Dallas) 22 years ago.

As everyone knows... everything is bigger in Texas! Let me explain:
Big oil, Big sky, Big hats, Big boots, Big beltbuckles, Big bass, Big guns, Big trucks, Big hair, Big boobs, Big shopping, home of "the Big Slurp", Big business,
Big Ass Fans (honest! See this... http://www.pbase.com/shutterpug/image/118028062),
Big conservatives (George W. Bush), Big churches (as in mega-churches), Big homes (McMansions), and now...
the Big Bowl (Super Bowl XLV) where the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will play in Cowboy's Stadium (Sorry Cowboys!).

Unfortunately we have been reading in the paper about the Big plans to welcome our out-of-town and out-of-state guests...
Ban street vendors, tear down the cardboard shanties under the bridge and hide the homeless and panhandlers.
And what is this about rooms at Motel 6 for $600?
Take down those signs... "Rent my house for Super Bowl weekend... $6900" (By the way, mine's a lot cheaper!)

It's going to be an expensive weekend. How much was that Super Bowl ticket? $1200, $900, $800, $600?

I have the feeling the roads will be in gridlock with extra traffic, extra security, and road closures. Parking lots adjacent to the stadium will be closed for security.

And don't take the toll roads if you have a rental car due to the astronomical fees added on to "welcome" the out-of-towners.

Sounds like Texas is about to make some "Big Bucks" $$$$$

Instead... why not snuggle up to your Big TV with a Big Bowl of Queso (this is not your ordinary queso!)
and a Big bag of Tostitos Roasted Garlic and Black Bean Chips from Frito Lay (Plano, Texas).
Grab a local beer... Shiner Bock (from the Texas Hill Country) or Rahr & Sons "Ugly Pug" black lager (Fort Worth, Texas)
and enjoy the game while you count all the money you have saved.

From the land of "Bless your heart"... welcome to Texas y'all!

In an effort to support your local cardiologist, here is the recipe for the Big Queso...

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1 lb. GROUND BEEF
1 lb. SPICY HOT SAUSAGE (I prefer Owens sausage)
1 can CREAM of MUSHROOM SOUP, undiluted
32 oz. jar MEDIUM or HOT PACE PICANTE SAUCE (Medium is plenty hot for me)
1 lb. VELVEETA CHEESE (diced into 1 inch cubes)
1 lb. CHEDDAR CHEESE (diced into 1 inch cubes)
TORTILLA CHIPS for dipping

In a large, heavy bottom skillet, brown beef and sausage meat over medium heat.
Drain fat from pan and discard.

Add mushroom soup and picante sauce, stirring to mix well.
Turn heat to low and add cubed cheeses. Cook stirring constantly, until cheese melts.
Serve hot.

If there are leftovers... it is great heated and poured over baked potatoes or burgers!

Makes about 1/2 gallon