International Day of the Nacho: Double dip those delicious chips & dips

Oct. 21 celebrates the “invention” of one of the tastiest snacks around. Oct. 21 is International Day of the Nacho!

This annual food holiday celebrates Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, the "Father of the Nacho." In 1943, some military wives headed to the Mexican town of Piedras Negras, across the border from a military base in Eagle Pass, Texas, and headed to a popular restaurant. Legend has it that Maitre D, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, greeted the gals at the door but could not find the cook. He headed to the kitchen and whipped up a dish consisting of tortillas and covered them with Wisconsin cheese and put them under the broiler. Once the cheese was melted, he added jalapeno peppers and served the dish to the women. His “Nachos Especiales” were a hit and with a little help from Frank Liberto and Howard Cosell, nachos were born. Anaya died in 1975 but his contribution to one of the most popular dishes around, lives on.

Today’s nachos can be enjoyed as a meal or a snack. In honor of International Day of the Nacho, why not whip up one or two of the delicious nacho recipes listed below?

• Loaded Nachos – When the Pioneer Woman says she takes nachos very seriously, you’d better believe it! If you’re looking for amazing gourmet nachos, look no further!

• Cowboy Nachos – You’ll need tortilla chips, Cheddar cheese, RoTel Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, sour cream, olives, onions, guac, Wolf Brand Chili No Beans and Ranch Style Beans.

• Southwest Veggie Nachos – This recipe, from Epicurious, calls for tortilla chips, black beans, green pepper, corn, cumin, black olives, Mexican cheese, tomatoes, red onion, pickled jalapeno slices, cilantro, fresh lime juice and avocado.

• Layered Nacho Dip - You'll need cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, salsa, tortilla chips and Mexican cheese for this warm, 5-star dip.

Today is also National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, Reptile Awareness Day and Count Your Buttons Day.