Irish Nachos

 Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Back when I worked full-time, my co-workers and I used to go to a place called Lynagh's Irish Pub for lunch.  One of our favorite things to get were the Irish Nachos.  The Irish Nachos at Lynagh's were a lot like cheese fries, but way more special.  Potatoes were cut into somewhat thick slices, resembling English chips.  Once the chips were fried, they were topped with tons of cheese, bacon, jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and sour cream.   Eating those Irish Nachos at lunchtime was not only good fun, but a total escape from reality.

This morning, while doing the Irish Jig in water aerobics, I remembered those Irish Nachos and knew I had to make them.  Is it wrong to think about super fattening food while working out?  No?  Ok, good! 

 Irish Nachos

Adapted from Lynagh's Irish Pub

Serves 1-4, depending on how hungry 

1 large russet potato, sliced 1/4"-1/2" thick

3 strips of bacon, fried and cut into strips

handful of cheddar cheese, or other favorite cheese

handful of sliced green onions

handful of sliced jalapenos, more or less to taste

Fry sliced potatoes at 375F for 2-3 minutes and remove from oil.  Allow your oil to come back up to 375F and fry for a second time, 3-4 minutes, or until desired crispiness.  Top your hot fried potatoes with the handful of cheese and allow to melt.  (You may stick the potatoes and cheese under the broiler to melt.)  When the cheese is melted, top with toppings of your choice, including: bacon, sliced green onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, sour cream, etc.  

Eat it like a shark!

Oh yes!  My Irish eyes are smiling!

Notes/Results:  Delicious!  I know you all know how to make cheese fries, but I wanted to share this idea because it's a different way to celebrate St. Patty's Day.  You can customize this to your liking.  I think this concept would be terrific topped with some shredded corned beef , maybe some swiss cheese, and quite possibly a little drizzle of thousand island?  You really can't go wrong!