NACHOS

Okay, you non-Spanish speaking people.  Tell me the truth.  You thought 'Nachos" was a Mexican word for a bunch tortilla chips covered with cheese and jalapenos.  Not exactly.  Interesting story here.

During World War II, in 1943, there was a hotel in Mexico sitting just across the border from Texas.  We had an army post on the Texas side.  One day, a large group of officer's wives decided to take a trip into Mexico for a drink and a snack and a little local flavor.  

Yes, they went to this hotel and the chef there was one Ignacio Anaya.  He had little to offer the ladies to suit the American's tastes.  They wanted a snack to go with the tequila.  Anaya took his large tortillas and cut them into small triangles and deep fried them; topped them with melted cheese and peppers.  He had never made them before but they were a hit.  

The ladies asked to see the cook.  The appetizer was not on the menu.  They were told he was called Nacho - it was his nickname.    They were Nacho's specialty.  Word spread - Texas restaurants picked up the recipe.  Now, to all the world they are called nachos.