And We're Back!

So after a really extended LOA, I am officially back in the blogging world! Several big things have happened since my last post. The main event is that I got a new job that will allow me to be in town and not on the road all the time. Which means…hold your breath blogging audience….I will be able to pick back up on my cooking through the alphabet challenge! My heart sank a little when I saw the countdown I had posted was flashing that it had been 12 days since I cooked through the alphabet. When in reality, I had only made it through 3 letters! But no worries, I am back on board and ready to catch up!

For D, I chose the word DIP. Dips are such an integral part to any party, no matter what kind! I have hosted several wedding showers during this wedding season 2K10, and each party had a related dip! As I am still working on managing my time in preparation for a party, having a dip ready when the guests arrive allows the guests to have something to eat while I am putting the finishing touches on everything else. Hopefully one day I will be able to do like the entertaining books suggest, and take a few minutes to relax before the party starts. Yea right! ha ha

The recipe I wanted to share is for a super easy 7 layer taco dip.


Ingredients

1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 large tomato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch chopped green onions
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

The great thing about this recipe is that if there is an ingredient you don't like (say black olives for example, ugh) then you can simply leave it out and it doesn't alter the recipe.

Directions

In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter.
Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.

This is a dip that you can make ahead of time. But don't do like I did and leave it in the fridge and forget about it until after the party is over! :(



Stay tuned for more cooking posts!!