Canyon Life

Yes. Dessert Nachos. That's what I'm talking about. Maybe you've seen them? I've found them at a few Mexican restaurants, seen them served at parties in various ways, and then forgot all about them. Until a friend of mine recycled the idea and used it at a few functions. I was hooked. SUCH a good idea! Serve yourself, personalize your toppings, it presents so beautifully. The above picture was taken at a retreat we did a few years back. The nachos were a hit. Fresh fruit, caramel, chocolate, shredded coconut, oh my word. Absolute heaven. 

There are a few ways you can make them, and some ways are easier than others. For starters, the cinnamon chips; you can make them yourself, or if you know of a place, you can buy ready made ones. I have a place down here that sells bags of fried tortilla chips tossed in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Great in a pinch. There are a few different methods to make your own, baking or frying. You can use corn tortillas or flour. I like flour. To bake, you cut the tortillas up into bite sized triangles or strips, brush with butter on top side, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on buttered top, and bake at 350 degrees for about ten minutes or until crisp. You can always deep fry, which is my favorite way, by heating vegetable oil at medium high heat, placing cut tortilla strips into hot oil, and removing when lightly browned. They puff up a bit too. Then you can just toss them in cinnamon sugar. If you go the baking route, the chips come out thicker and a little chewier, fry them and they'll be crispy and light.

After you get your chips figured out and done, you can start prepping your toppings. Here are my favorites:

Warm Caramel

Hot Fudge

Whipped Cream

Marshmallow Fluff

Sliced Banana

Diced Strawberries

Nuts of All Kinds

Shredded Toasted Coconut

Mini Chocolate Chips

M&M's

Warm Apple Compote

Candied Pecans

Really, you can use anything. Any fruit you like, any candy crushed up. My favorite topping combo is banana, crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, little drizzle of caramel, and whipped cream. My kids like to top them with everything, some people like strawberries and cream, one kid I know just likes the chips plain. Arrange the toppings just like you would regular nachos! If you want to get fancy, make your own hot fudge or salted caramel from scratch.

SO DREAMY.

Serve this dessert in classy bowls, dress it up, you'll have a hit on your hands. Serve it at a BBQ on paper plates. Doesn't matter!  It's probably one of the most requested desserts I do. Get creative and see what you can come up with!