Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper, plus slices for garnish, optional
1/2 cup light beer
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 (8-ounce) block pasteurized prepared cheese product
1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and picked for shells
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, (about 2 limes)
1/4 cup minced green onion
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Tortilla chips, for serving, recipe follows

Tortilla Chips:

Oil
6 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Salt

Directions

In a 4-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic and cook stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in the beer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the cream, cream cheese, and processed cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.

Stir in crabmeat, lime juice, green onion, cilantro, and chili powder and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced jalapeno pepper, if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

Tortilla Chips:

In a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the pot, to 375 degrees F.

Cut the tortillas into triangles. Fry them, in batches, until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove the tortillas from the oil to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt, to taste, and serve.