Dorothy Creamery Scallionpancake Loaded Nachos

Background:
Earlier this year, we partnered with Dorothy Creamery to participate in a cheese recipe contest! That’s right – Dorothy Creamery did the impossible: they got us whipping up food in our kitchen rather than ordering off a menu. We were up against a very worthy competitor, Cheese Sex Death, who ultimately took home the crown in our round for her awesome Rose Honey-Baked Brie with Pistachios. Even though our nachos didn’t win, we think they make for a damn fine lunch or game day snack, so we wanted to share the recipe with you! These come together in less than 15 minutes and the end result is colorful, cheesy, and downright tasty. Here’s how we made them!

Who wouldn’t want a bite of these bad boys?

First things first: grab your Dorothy Creamery cheese!

Recipe:

Step One: Fry Up Some bacon

Is there any sweeter sound and smell in the world than that of bacon frying in a pan? We cooked ours in a large cast iron skillet. Once the bacon is on the verge of crispy, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper-towel lined plate, reserving the bacon grease.

Step Two: sauté scallions & banana peppers

I love and adore banana peppers (I eat them right out of the jar), and you know that we can’t have a recipe without scallions! When you’re chopping the scallions, reserve about a quarter cup of the top bright green part (keep them raw). Put these in the already hot cast iron pan with a bit of the leftover bacon grease.

Step Three: Add Kettle Chips

Jason had the idea to make nachos for our recipe, and it was also his idea to use kettle chips, which I loved! Everyone uses tortilla chips, but how many people make nachos with a crunchy kettle chip? Genius. I knew I married him for a reason. Add the kettle chips to the pan with the banana peppers and scallions, and then add the cooked bacon back to the pan and mix it all up.

Step Four: Cheese TIME

Let’s get cheesy, people. Grab your Dorothy Creamery cheese. We used two rounds of Comeback Cow and one Keep Dreaming. Cut the rind off of the cheese, and add it to a medium-sized saucepan with heavy cream. Cook on medium heat, stirring consistently until the cheese and cream have melted into a perfect, lump-free cheese sauce.

Step Five: Plate the Nachos

Add the kettle chip mixture to a plate and spoon the cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle some of the reserved scallions on top, along with some cilantro, if you’re a fan!

Et voila! Optional step: take the cheese to your backyard and get some sexy photographs.

Want to buy some Dorothy Creamery cheese of your own? Use this link to order online, or click here to see where you can buy it locally!

Harper's Restaurant

STRAIGHT OUTTA DENMARK

Background:
Harper’s has been a Charlotte institution for years. Jason came here often growing up, and it was his grandmother’s favorite place (she ordered the burger, which also just so happens to be my go-to order). Harper’s has grown from the South Park location to several other locations in Charlotte and beyond.

ALL HAIL FRIED FOODZ

For us, the OG South Park locale is where it’s at, and we were beyond excited to be asked out for a formal tasting last month. Truthfully, we are at Harper’s at least every two weeks, so to be formally invited was such an honor. We think Harper’s is a sleeper hit and that it often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Read on to see what makes Harper’s such a great part of Charlotte’s dining scene.

Eat This:

“Secret Menu” Blue Cheese Chips

We’re going to let you in on our little secret: Harper’s “secret menu” blue cheese chips. Apparently these used to be on the menu, but you can still get them if you ask nicely. Personally, I like to douse these in a HEAVY pour of hot sauce, but Jason doesn’t like that one bit. You do you. But whatever you decide hot sauce wise: GET THE CHIPS.

Asian Chicken Salad

Asian chicken, mixed greens, mushrooms, almonds, scallions, and crispy wontons

The chef told us that this salad is one of their most popular menu items, and it’s a solid option. I’m not usually a chicken breast fan, but theirs is juicy and flavorful, and the crispy blackened bits take it over the top. This was my first time trying this, and I’d order it again!

Harper’s Original Chicken Supremes

These are Jason’s FAVORITES. Seriously. He says Harper’s chicken supremes are the best chicken tenders in town, and just look at that crispy fried batter. You can get an appetizer portion or an entree portion, and they come with their house-cut fries.

Do you think Harper’s Chicken Supremes could be the next SUPREME WITCH in the coven? image credit to SYFY Wire.

House-Cut Fries

These fries take two days to make. They are cut in house, brined, and then fried up to absolute perfection. That golden-brown color isn’t fry face tune, it’s just the mark of a potato treated right. Don’t expect to be able to share these with anyone.

StreetSide Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled white fish, fresh corn tortillas, grilled pineapple pickled onion, salsa verde served with Spanish rice & black beans

Did someone say Taco Tuesday? Who wants to crowd into the same old tired taco joint as the rest of Charlotte when you can get these beauties? That’s what I thought.

DANISH RIBS

Do you want to eat the screen? Uh, yeah you do. These ribs were fabulous and right outta Denmark, which you know we love. Danish ribs really do come from Denmark, are known for being more tender than traditional American ribs, and have 13 ribs instead of the usual 12. These babies are GOOOOD.

Dessert:

IRON SKILLET COOKIE

Do you like cookies? How about warm cookies? Well, you’re in luck. This iron skillet cookie checks all the boxes, ya’ll.

Drink:
Harper’s has a full bar, and a great bar area with booth seating and lots of TVs that are always turned to whatever sporting event you want to see. Jason and I always choose to dine in the bar, so he can watch TV while ignoring me. On second thought, maybe this is why he likes Harper’s so much?

Atmosphere:
Harper’s at South Park is huge, which means they rarely run a wait, even when they’re busy. The decor is simple and laid back, and it’s the kind of place you feel you can come as you are. It’s a great place for family get togethers, since there’s something on the menu for everyone. We actually came here after I officially become a Jew, and I still had wet hair from my Mikvah dip. Good times.

A Charlotte classic.

All-American Hospitality:
The service at Harper’s is so fast and efficient. One of the things we love about dining here is that we can get in and get out in under an hour, even when they’re busy. Although the visit we’re depicting here is a media visit, we have never had anything but great service, and we seriously come here all the time.

Frankie’s Notes:
The bread at Harper’s is also a secret menu item – they don’t bring it out automatically, but you can get it if you ask! ; Jason loves a restaurant with a TV so he doesn’t even have to pretend to feign interest in whatever I’m talking about;

Disclaimer: This meal was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are our own, and we were not compensated for this review.