Make Nachos Today!

It's a bye week for the Eagles, but if you plan on settling onto the sofa to watch any of the other games (or perhaps just find yourself craving an afternoon snack), be advised: today is the International Day of the Nacho.

We'll bet you didn't know that. Here's something else you perhaps didn't know: "Nachos" are named for the man who invented them almost 70 years ago.

As his son explained it to the San Antonio Express-News in 2002, Ignacio ("Nacho") Anaya was the maitre d' at a restaurant in the Mexican town of Piedras Negras, just across the Texas border.

One day in 1943, a group of U.S. military wives from a nearby airbase hopped across the border for some munchies. Anaya couldn't find the cook. So he dashed into the kitchen, grabbed some corn chips, melted some grated cheese on them, and topped them with a slice of jalapeno pepper. "Nachos" were born.

Sadly for Ignacio Anaya, nobody looked into trying to trademark the name until 1960, by which time "nachos" had effectively entered the public domain. He died in 1975.

Despite their junk-food reputation—a typical nacho appetizer at the stadium concession stand can pack 1,500 calories—nachos don't have to be unhealthy. Use baked chips instead of fried ones, go for lean meats, and include plenty of beans to provide some fiber. Using sharp, flavorful cheeses in small amounts is healthier (and less messy) than dumping a can of processed cheese sauce on top of your dish. And don't forget the vegetables!

If you aren't up for making your own, you can always find the tasty treat at one of our local establishments. Click on "Directory" above to find out who has the best nachos in town.

Before you take your first bite, though, hoist a loaded tortilla chip and and toast Nacho. We wouldn't have one of our all-time tastiest snacks without him.