Crab Nachos

6 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
4 ounces Monterey jack cheese, grated
1/4 cup sour cream
1 pickled jalapeño, minced, plus 1 to
    2 tablespoons pickling liquid from jar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
8 ounces crabmeat, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup sliced artichoke hearts (optional)
3 dozen tortilla chips
1 pickled jalapeño, sliced thin
Minced scallion tops (for garnish )

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a bowl, mix together cheeses, sour cream, jalapeño, pickling liquid, garlic and cumin until well blended. Fold in the crabmeat and artichokes, if desired. Spread each chip with a layer of the topping mixture. Place the chips on a heatproof baking dish or platter. Sprinkle the sliced jalapeño over everything. Bake for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and a little bubbly.

Scatter scallion tops over the nachos and serve immediately.

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