the tongan

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Derek served a mission in the Phoenix, Arizona, area (for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) back in the early 2000s. On said mission, one of his fellow Elders taught him how to make this age-old recipe that had been passed on amongst Elders for years: the Tongan. Derek has since made it for me, for our kids, for some friends, and even for our local missionaries when they come for dinner. It sounds gross, but I promise it’s good. (It is also super caloric, perfect for growing young men on bikes - and budgets, ha.) Give it a try, and report back! 

Recipe: The Tongan

Ingredients:

White bread

Mayo

Ramen

Eggs

Ham

Cheddar

Directions: 

Spread Mayo on the bread.

Boil ramen just long enough for it to unfold. 

Place (drained) ramen plank in a frying pan. Whip an egg in a bowl/mug and mix the seasoning packet into it. Pour egg mixture over the ramen plank. Cook through, turning half way.

Add a slice of cheese and a slice of ham to one side of the ramen/egg plank. 

When cheese is melted, fold over the ramen plank. Put this whole thing between the two pieces of Mayo-ed bread. 

Cut in half if you want. Enjoy! 

nachos

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My lovely friend Diane Bernal made these delicious nachos for a party once, and I was dying over its deliciousness. A few days later, I couldn’t get it off my mind, so we made it for dinner. When I called her to ask for her recipe, these were the notes I jotted down on my phone. I’ve made it this way several times since, so I figure it’s good enough to publish.

Nacho Sauce

Sautéed onions/garlic w butter (med heat)

Salsa, blitzed up 

Milk/evaporated milk (start low)

Then add chunks of velveeta 

Add reg cheese at end - milk

Can season with: salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika 

Do on cooktop then put in pre-warmed crockpot.

** Edited to add: Serve over/with your favorite tortilla chips (obvs) and add some fun toppings — ie. salsa / sliced black olives / jalapeño slices / ground beef (I brown with diced onion) / sour cream / tomatoes / green onions /whatev!