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Home » Starters/Appetizers

Published: Jul 30, 2014 · Updated: Mar 23, 2025 · May contain affiliate links

Italian Nachos and Pay it Forward

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A year and a half ago when I published this chicken recipe, I received this comment:

 

BizFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:01 PM
I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! I left out the onions because they are gross, and used two giant bone in chicken breasts, but the results were amazing - super tender chicken, crispy skin and melt in your mouth potatoes.Thanks for the recipe for this great Sunday Night Supper!

They even shared this version of the recipe  on their blog. Little did I know that this was the beginning of what is called a blogger friendship. Speaking for myself, I must say that bloggers don't often get paid much, if anything at all. I blog because it is a way to relate stories to my kids and also because it is a good place to find my recipes. It is kind of my filing cabinet, don't ya know?

Don't get me wrong. It would be thrilling if I could actually make enough money to treat myself to a massage now and then, but for me, I often get paid in other ways. Yes, I do receive samples and "stuff" here and there, but one way I get paid is by the friendships that are started virtually. No, it isn't the same as being around the corner and stopping over for a stick of butter, but it is comforting to know that people I have never even met can become a friend. Biz of is one of those. There are other bloggers I have had the pleasure of meeting, and I hope there are many more, but I have yet to meet Biz. I have no doubt though, that one day it will happen.

Biz wrote a blog about my blog a few months ago and ever since then I have been trying to figure out how to pay it forward. A few things I've learned about Biz: Biz does talk about everything she's been going through. But she doesn't make a big deal of it. Her blog always talks about food and the way that it relates to her diabetes. She usually posts her calories and how many steps she did on her Fit Bit. (I really want one of those.) Biz always talks about exercise, whether doing it or not getting it done! And last, but not least, Biz often talks about her daughter and her husband, Tony. Biz handles everything that comes her way with such grace and humor and positive energy. And Tony interjects sometimes with his dry wit and love stories about Biz. And OK... Biz loves cloud pictures and snowmen! This is such a positive blog and since I am not always the most positive person, Biz's blog always makes me appreciate what I have and how I could be doing better.

 

Well, Tony has been having to go up to Mayo's a few times this summer for issues that sound quite serious to me. Biz appears to handle this with her positive aplomb, but if it was me, I'd be doing some serious worrying. If she is, she certainly isn't showing it. Biz is the kind of person that when Tony was in a hospital in Illinois, she organized a drive to get used videos or DVD's sent to the children's ward because they hardly had any to watch. If I recall, she ended up receiving  many donations from all over the US.

So, in the interest of paying it forward, I've got two things to request:
#1 - Just check out My Bizzy Kitchen. It's a lot of fun and always starts my day off on a positive note. And Biz writes almost every day so that's a good thing for me!

#2 - Biz and Tony have been staying in Extended Stay America when they go up to Mayo's. To make a long story, short....umm, shorter...Biz entered a cooking contest that they had, and her entry is now in the finals. The winner receives $5000 which I know would really help Biz and Tony out. After all going to Mayo's isn't cheap. So go vote for Biz's entree. Do it now. Well, maybe after you finish reading my blog.  Help her win! And Biz...Just so you know-you are amazeballs!

Now, for the recipe of the day. I came up with it because I think it is something that Biz will like. She always features her breakfast which is usually something with eggs or Chobani or cheese. She loves cheese. And she loves hot sauce. And she loves pizza. I never knew diabetics could eat all that, but she does! Biz hates onions. And Tony hates spicy food. So the below recipe tries to accommodate both tastes.

I hope these Italian nachos satisfy. I grilled them because Biz loves to grill. I left off onions because they hate onions. You can add hot sauce if you want it. I served them to Manservant for lunch and he approved them. I don't think they are awful in calories because I used fresh, low fat mozzarella and I wanted to use more, but I didn't. They were filling and hearty and good. Enjoy them, after you go vote for Biz. Click here and do it!

 

Italian Nachos
Yield: 2-4 servings or maybe just 1
Time: About 15 minutes Time to eat: Maybe about two!

Ingredients:
44 tortilla chips (corn or flour)
4 oz cooked Italian sausage, chopped
½ of a chopped pepper
⅓ c mild Italian pepper rings, drained and chopped
½ c of your favorite spaghetti or tomato sauce (I use this)
4 oz fresh mozzarella, crumbled
1 T chopped basil
1 ½ t dried oregano

Directions:
Lay your tortilla chips on a shallow baking sheet. (I used a grill pan because I grilled these.) Top with sausage, both kinds of peppers and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Top with basil and oregano. Grill on low for 5-10 minutes on a preheated medium high heat grill. OR- Broil in the oven for a few minutes until cheese melts or bake at 375 for about 10 minutes until cheese melts.

Serve with your choice of hot sauce-or not!

Other great dishes:
5 Incredibly Quick Appetizers
Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Artichoke Mushroom Casserole
Ziti Al Fresco
Chicken Artichoke Dip Baguettes
Chili Three Ways
World Peace Cookies


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  1. Joyti says

    August 05, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    That would be one of my goals: to make blogger friends. Friends I have things in common with.

    And these nachos sound DELICIOUS!

    Reply
  2. Sugar et al says

    August 05, 2014 at 9:04 am

    This is gorgeous! Your post is so sweet Abbe. Reflects what a lovely person you are. I agree, one of the amazing things about blogging are the friendships we make with people who we've never met but we have so much in common with. Especially our love for food.

    Reply
  3. Bam's Kitchen says

    August 04, 2014 at 5:44 am

    Thanks for introducing us to Biz.I am also delighted about the connections we make through blogging. Beautiful people from all over the world. Foodies are the nicest people. I like your take on nachos. I also see all of the hot sauces lined up behind them. It looks like something my boys would do.. Take care, BAM

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    August 03, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    What a sweet tribute to Biz - I love her and this is so sweet!!
    And, the nachos look awesome!!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 06, 2014 at 5:40 am

      Thanks Kim! She is a sweetheart! And the nachos were pretty, pretty good!

      Reply
  5. zoe says

    August 03, 2014 at 6:21 pm

    This was so sweet mom! I voted for Biz. Love you!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:24 pm

      Thanks darling daughter! Biz appreciates your vote~ I love you too, baby!

      Reply
  6. Von says

    August 03, 2014 at 10:14 am

    Voted 🙂 Love the idea of paying it forward 🙂 Good luck to Biz and Tony!! Although blogging doesn't really earn me much in terms of money, I have found that I have learnt and gained so much out of something I'd originally thought of as just writing about food! Your nachos look great btw- and love hwo you've got plenty of hot sauces to add too!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:23 pm

      So nice Von! Biz loves hot sauce! Thanks for voting and can't wait to check your blog out! Blogging is so much more than food. But it is fun to get samples now and then. LOL!

      Reply
  7. dentistvschef says

    August 03, 2014 at 10:08 am

    wow, what a hearthwarming post,
    i used to get inspiration too from others fellow foodie bloggers, my father is also a diabetic and i guess i;m gonna be enjoy Biz blog,
    lovely nachos my friend, but i guess whole grain nachos is more preferred for diabetic person and my fathers internist suggest using guacamole, fruit based or yogurt based dressing

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:21 pm

      Thanks Dentist Chef. Biz has an interesting approach to her diabetes.Though i am not a diabetic I find it interesting because I had no idea one could eat everything she does. Follow her. i think you will enjoy it!

      Reply
  8. Randi says

    August 03, 2014 at 3:54 am

    My wife and I met Biz last October when we came to Chicago. In real life, she's just like she is on the blog. I think she picked the onions out of her dinner.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:20 pm

      I believe it! Some people are just real and Biz is one of them! Thatnks for visiting my blog Randi and hope to see you again!

      Reply
  9. Carol at Wild Goose Tea says

    August 03, 2014 at 1:11 am

    It's a beautiful post. I will make my way over to Biz's website. Pay it Forward is simple set of words with a deeply rich meaning.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      Damn, Carol. You have such a way with words. I bet we will meet one day, too!

      Reply
  10. SkippyMom says

    August 02, 2014 at 10:32 pm

    Those nachos look delicious. Nice recipe [the sausage is pre cooked, right?] Love nachos and those are right up my alley - never thought to use the sausage.

    Sweet post about our Bizzy, She a doll, isn't she? She is truly one of the most kind hearted people I have ever met. And that girl can COOK! She inspires me to toss stuff together all the time - and I have come up with some pretty great recipes that way, besides, you know, stealing hers. 🙂

    Hope you have a nice weekend. And nice to meet you!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      She is a doll! And very inspiring! Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon!

      Reply
  11. vanillasugarblog says

    August 02, 2014 at 1:14 am

    Abbie this is awesome!
    Why not Italian?
    Love this.
    Have a great weekend too!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:17 pm

      Thanks, Dawn! Why not Italian? Now I need something sweet to go with them. What's up?

      Reply
  12. Juliana says

    August 01, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Oh Abbe, such a sweet post...yes, blogging is so much fun, and I really treasure all the friendship that I gained through it...
    This Italian nacho sure looks delicious, packed with flavors...yum!
    Have a great weekend 😀

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:15 pm

      Thanks Juliana! Blogging is fun and I hope to meet you one day, too!

      Reply
  13. Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says

    August 01, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    Of course, Abbe! She and all us share the same opinion...Your chicken recipe(s), these nachos,and everything else that you make is delish... You do a great job! Wishing you a wonderful weekend in paradise: The jaw-dropping Colorado!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:14 pm

      Way too kind Denise! And Colorado is a pretty good place to be from. But I'd rather be out and about instead of weeding! And deadheading! And getting hot!

      Reply
  14. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    August 01, 2014 at 3:34 am

    i am a massive nacho fan.. definitely craving a bowl right now, they look delicious!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:13 pm

      They were really good, Thalia. And simple and a great change from Mexican nachos!

      Reply
  15. Liz Berg says

    July 31, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    I'm off to vote! I love all the friends that blogging has brought into my life! And you're at the top of that list. And now I'm craving nachos 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:12 pm

      Liz, you are at the top of mine, too! Can't wait to meet again! Thanks for the vote for Biz and now go make some nachos!

      Reply
  16. Sue/the view from great island says

    July 31, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Fun post, fabulous nachos ...now I'm off to vote!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:11 pm

      Thanks Sue! I know Biz will really appreciate it and it is nice helping someone isn't it?

      Reply
  17. Judit + Corina | Glamorous Bite says

    July 31, 2014 at 4:54 pm

    Hi Abbe, what a lovely post! Thank you for the delicious Nacho recipe!
    Cheers,
    J+C

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:10 pm

      Thanks for stopping by J+ C! And I mean what i say. Biz is pretty specail and the nachos are great!

      Reply
  18. Sharon D says

    July 31, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Aww...this is heartwarming, Abbe. I hope Biz wins. I have put in my vote!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:09 pm

      Thanks, Sharon. I hope she wins, too! And thanks for voting. After all, every vote counts!

      Reply
  19. Angie Schneider says

    July 31, 2014 at 4:03 am

    What a sweet and delicious post! These nachos look so satisfying and delicious. Off to check Biz out 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you kindly, Angie! They were satisfying! Check Biz out. I think you will find how special she is!

      Reply
  20. Zoe says

    July 31, 2014 at 3:43 am

    Hi Abbe,

    Nice to know that blogging have helped us to meet lots of great friends everyday!

    I've voted for Biz and hope that she will win 😀

    Zoe

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:07 pm

      Awwww. thanks, Zoe! Biz loves your support! And it makes me feel pretty good, too!

      Reply
  21. Biz says

    July 31, 2014 at 2:44 am

    Oh Abbe, thank you so much for this post! I kind of published my blog post this morning and didn't really do much online today, but came back to my hotel tonight to referrals from your blog. And for the record, I think your recipe would be the perfect thing for both Tony and I to love!

    I have no doubt we'll meet in person one day! Hugs!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      No thanks needed, Biz. Take care of yourself and Tony. Stay positive and maybe one day we can make this together!

      Reply
  22. Kitchen Riffs says

    July 31, 2014 at 12:26 am

    Such a nice post! You're good people. I'm on my way to vote and check out Biz's blog. But not before saying terrific recipe! Thanks for it. And a really fine post.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 03, 2014 at 7:05 pm

      I can always count on you John and I mean that sincerely! Thank you!

      Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

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You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

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