AWESOME ITALIAN SAUSAGE CREAM CHEESE DIP

Awesome Italian Sausage Cream Cheese Dip image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 lb pound of Italian sausage (mild or hot)
2 medium tomatoes, about 10 ounces
2 medium jalapeños, about 4 ounces
1 or 2 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
15 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 c sour cream
salt, kosher variety, to taste
ground pepper, freshly ground, to taste
cayenne pepper, optional
ground cumin, optional

Steps:

1. Gather your ingredients.
2. Remove the skins from the tomatoes (blanching) and small dice.
3. De-seed the jalapeños and small dice.
4. Place the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook until no longer pink.
6. Chef's Note: As the sausage is cooking, break into small bits with a wooden spoon.
7. Pour out any excess oil, and then add the tomatoes, chilies, and crushed red pepper.
8. Cook for about 5 minutes, and then cover, turn heat down to low, and allow to lightly simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the peppers are softened.
9. Remove from heat, and then add the cream cheese.
10. Stir until fully incorporated.
11. Add the sour cream.
12. Stir until fully incorporated.
13. Chef's Note: Using your taste buds, add a bit of salt, pepper, or any additional spices that you feel will help.
14. Chef's Note: Add spices a bit at a time and then taste... season and taste. Remember, good cooks always taste their food.
15. Serve with tortilla chips, sliced baguette or thick ripple potato chips. Enjoy.
16. Chef's Tip: This really does taste good right out of the pan, but it does taste better the next day. I let it cool down on the counter for about an hour or so, and then place into a bowl, cover with a bit of cling wrap, and then place in the fridge... This gives the spices and flavors a chance to get to know each other better. The only problem with this is that it seldom makes it to the refrigerator...
17. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.