bernadette

this has always been a big hit at our parties

<b>7-layer, 9-layer, how many ever layers... dip</b>

take a large baking dish
line bottom of dish w/refried beans
layer of finely torn lettuce
layer of diced tomatoes
layer of sliced green onions
layer of chopped cilatro
layer of sour cream
layer of grated cheese (colby-jack or a 4-cheese mexican sort works well)
layer of jalapeno slices (unless you are serving a mixed crowd of fire eaters & whimps, then omit this layer)
layer guacomole*
garnish with a dollop of sour cream in the center, sprigs of cilantro to line the edges of the dish, make some decorative pattern with black olives & jalapeno slices (or just pile these each beside of the sour cream dollop)
stick a sprig of cilantro & a black olive (or cherry tomato) in center of sour cream

variation: you can omit the diced tomato layer altogether & put halved cherry tomatoes on top for a more colorful presentation or you can substitute red salsa for this layer. and of course, you can eliminate any layers you wish.

(the layers can pretty much go in any order, but that order works well)

refrigerate until ready to serve.

again. serve with tortilla chips.


*<b>guacamole</b>
mash 3-4 haas avocados
squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice (to keep avocados from browning)
add garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste
add a small can or half jar of green salsa (the kind made w/tomatillo)
add enough sour cream to make it creamy, but be careful not to go overboard
stir. voila!

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