Lansing

is known for a many things; to name just a couple, it is the State Capitol of Michigan and more importantly, it is the home of the Mexican restaurant(s) El Azteco. Thankfully there are two locations because the non-student population needed their own El Azteco. The first restaurant was opened in 1976, on MSU campus, in East Lansing. It has since moved up stairs from the its humble basement beginnings on M.A.C. Ave. and now offers rooftop dining (since 1992). 

Affectionately known as "El Az" by locals and students (and often mispronounced as "Al Ez", especially after a couple margaritas), it is a landmark of the area. However, if you said to your pal, "Hey let's go to the rooftop for Margs and cheese dip," it would be completely understood by your pal you were talking about El Az and no one in the history of EVER has been able to say no to that offer. However, your pal might respond with, "Let's just go to the West Side and sit on the patio". Both equally appealing El Az options. 

Any El Az patron worth their margarita salt has dipped into this legendary cheese dip many times (because once is just not humanly possible). It is "nacho" typical Mexican cheese dip (sorry, how could I pass that one up?). And it is not to be confused with queso blanco, but is instead is a white delectable, goodness that is impossible to resist. I'm not quite sure if it is even authentic Mexican cuisine (based on some recent research), but it is hands down, the best thing you will ever dip your tortilla chip in! 

I discovered a copycat version of this very legendary cheese dip about 15 or more years ago on a website I can't find anymore (pre Pinterest days) and gave it a try. Sure enough, it was as good or better than the original version (and by better, I mean much more reasonably priced). It really is the cheese dip that will have them coming back again and again. Maybe that is why the recipe yields so much! Who ever invented this recipe is KING of all dip recipes ever and should probably receive a Nobel Prize for their contribution to mankind's overwhelming experience of joy on a tortilla chip.

Almost El Az Cheese Dip 

Ingredients

• 16 ounces sour cream
• 16 ounces small curd cottage cheese
• 2 cups Monterey jack or Muenster cheese, grated (Jack has a stronger flavor)
• 2 teaspoons of sifted contents of 1 pkg of Lipton’s Onion Soup mix NOT the onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 green onions, finely chopped 
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced

Instructions