For Life-Changing Cheese Sauce, Use Your Alka-Seltzer

• servings: 2 servings
• total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup (15ml) water

2 original flavor, non-aspirin Alka-Seltzer tablets (see notes)

2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups shredded melting cheese (5.25 ounces; 150g), such as cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, provolone, and/or Jack.

Optional flavorings:

1/2 teaspoon pickled jalapeño juice

1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together water and Alka-Seltzer. Let stand until fizzing stops, about 1 minute.

Add butter to the bowl and microwave until the butter is melted, about 30 seconds.

Add the shredded cheese to the bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Using a fork or small whisk, stir until the sauce is smooth, adding any optional flavorings if desired. Let stand until perfectly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.