Party Favorite (Ours Too!)

The holiday season is get-together time for so many. Last week we attended a couple of holiday socials and our grandson's birthday celebration too. 

While it can be risky bringing along a first-time tried dish, I had wanted to a 7 Layer Dip after a few years of enjoying ones done by others for similar gatherings.

It was so easy once you assemble all the ingredients. The best part is that no cooking is required. You can dice some of the ingredients the night before or earlier in the day, then assemble everything later. It helps to make it a few hours earlier and refrigerate before serving. The ingredients set up better when chilled.

7 Layer Dip Appetizer 

• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed
• 1-1/2 TBSP fresh lime juice
• 1/4 C hoped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 C salsa (drain if too liquid)
• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
• 1 package taco seasoning mix
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 bunch scallions (green onions) finely chopped
• 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
• 1 can black olives, drained and chopped
• 2 C shredded Mexican style cheese blend
• Chili seasoning (optional)
• garlic salt to taste (optional) 
• ground black pepper 

1. Mash avocados in a bowl. Add in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper and you now have guacamole.
2. Blend sour cream and taco seasoning in a small bowl (add in dash of chili seasoning if using).
3. In a 9x13 dish or large serving platter layer ingredients: spread refried beans, top with sour cream mixture, spread on guacamole. Top with tomatoes, green onions, cheese and black olives.
4. Serve with nacho chips.

There are many variations to this dish; you might have a different recipe which adds or omits some ingredients. I made it 3 times in a week and learned something each time. For example: draining diced tomatoes and removing some seeds is helpful as is draining the salsa if the brand is too liquid. Also, I combined scallions with tomatoes and mixed some of the cheese with the diced olives before spreading the layers.

There's not much that can go wrong with this appetizer, except that it tends to disappear. Be sure to have an accompanying large bag of nacho chips when serving. I plan to make it again during the holiday season (so let us know if you can stop by for a visit).