Mexican Layered Dip

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope this last day of 2011 finds you reflecting on all your blessings and God's faithfulness to bring us this far. Here's to the grace to face the joys and challenges of 2012 with courage!

This recipe has been a staple at many family parties over recent years and that is why it occurred to me to bring it out for a New Year's Day party we are going to tomorrow. If you have any parties to attend tomorrow (or yet tonight?), this is a VERY quick and VERY easy crowd-pleaser to throw together. And it tastes fantastic. The perfect munching snack with a bowl full of crisp tortilla chips.
This dip was originally introduced to our family by my Dad's mom, who we kids call Nani. She taught my sister Jessica how to make it, so from then on it has mainly been Jessica's responsibility to prepare it for parties, potlucks, etc...but even more importantly, to remember what order the layers go in! I hope I remembered right, but if not...oh well! There's really no wrong or right way to do it, except...one thing I know. The beans ALWAYS go on the bottom. :)

Start with a couple of cans of refried beans (enough to thickly cover the bottom of whatever size pan you're using- my measurements are what I used for an 8x8).

Next, mix a packet of taco seasoning with a container of sour cream.

Make sure it's well incorporated, then spread it over the beans.

Sprinkle with sliced olives.

Top with diced tomatoes.

Cover generously with cheese (your call on what variety of cheese).

Serve immediately or you can make it ahead if you're really organized. Serve with tortilla chips!

Nani's Mexican Layered Dip
(printable version)

serves....a crowd

2 cans refried beans

8 oz. container of sour cream, mixed with one packet of taco seasoning

large can sliced olives

1 lg or 2 sm. tomatoes, diced

shredded cheese

Layer all ingredients in order listed (or in whatever order you prefer...just be sure you put the beans on the bottom!! :) Serve with tortilla chips.