Seven Layer Dip

As mentioned in the post below, the other half of our weekend (when not watching basketball) will be consumed with General Conference. Seven layer dip is a conference tradition for us around here. I think everyone probably has a version of seven layer dip that they make, but here is my version. (Did I ever mention my obsession with all kinds of dip and all things Mexican?)

Since General Conference has not happened yet, I do not have a current photo of my dip, but this one is close. However, the sour cream layer will be pink once you add the taco seasoning. Photo courtesy of freshtomarket.com via google images.

Seven Layer Dip
1 can refried beans
1/2 carton sour cream
1/2 package taco seasoning
1 avocado, mashed
1/2 cup jarred salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup diced olives
1/4 cup diced green onions
tortilla chips or Fritos for serving
*Feel free to adjust toppings to your liking. I have been known to leave off the avocado, onions, and/or olives for simplicity's sake. Of course, then it is no longer a Seven Layer Dip. The point is, make it your own.

Stir together sour cream and taco seasoning. Mash together avocado and salsa and season with salt and pepper. Spread refried beans evenly over a large glass platter or in a 9x13 glass pan. (This is most easily done with a wet spatula or wet hands.) Spread sour cream mixture evenly on top. Next spread avocado mixture. Sprinkle with cheese, tomatoes, olives, and onions. Eat with chips. This can be eaten as a side, appetizer or even a meal! This will serve many, many people, unless one of those people is yours truly. Then it will serve maybe 3 people. (Do you see why I only make this at conference time? Twice a year, and I've had my fill.)

Refried Beans

To go along with yesterday's Spanish rice, I thought I would recommend my absolute favorite re-fried beans. They come from here and they only cost $3.75 for 2.4 lbs. They come in a can that looks like this:

And when you open the can it looks a little bit like corn flakes. But once you add a little hot water, they are the best re-fried beans I have ever had outside of a really good Mexican restaurant. I like to add a little of this:

some cheese, a little diced onion, all in a big flour tortilla and call it Taco Bell at home. Those of you who knew me in college may recall my weakness for Taco Bell, so being able to make it at home is definitely a good thing!