MEXICAN PARTY DIP

MEXICAN PARTY DIP

1 can refried beans
1 carton sour cream
1 carton avocado flavored party dip
2 med. tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
1 pkg. powdered taco seasoning
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 to 2 c. grated Cheddar cheese
1 to 2 c. grated Monterrey Jack cheese (optional)
1 can pitted olives, sliced or chopped

This dip should be "built" around a party theme. For example, if for Valentine's party, then arrange ingredients on a tray in a heart shape. Start with refried beans (always use beans as first layer because they are impossible to "spread" on top of other ingredients). Mix the taco seasoning with the beans or avocado dip. Add other layers, so that second layer from top is the sour cream. Add red food color to the sour cream before spreading on that layer. Then sprinkle tomatoes on as top layer. You should have a spicy red heart, ready to serve with tortilla chips.

At Halloween, shape and layer ingredients like a Jack-O-Lantern. The grated Cheddar cheese makes an excellent top layer, and use some of the black olives to make eyes, nose and toothy grin.

At Christmas, shape like a Christmas tree. For top layer, mix the avocado dip and sour cream and add green food coloring. Sprinkle some of the green onion "tops" on the tree and "decorate" with black olive ornaments.