Seven Layer Dip

A few facts about me and my life:

• I seriously LOVE dips, appetizers, and other party food.
• Its hot where I live.
• I have a lot of refried beans in my freezer.

All these mean I should probably be making a pan of this 7 Layer Dip. Its cool and refreshing, not heavy like a lot of dips, so its perfect for summer (maybe a 4th of July party in the next week or two!). I hope you try it and like it as much as we do! After the first 4 base layers, just choose according to taste or what's available to you! And who says you have to stop at 7?!

Seven Layer Dip

1 (15 oz) can refried beans (1 1/2 cups homemade)

1 package taco seasoning (or this recipe minus the flour)

1 (8oz) package cream cheese

1 - 1 1/2 cups sour cream (yogurt would substitute fine)

2 cups salsa

2 cups shredded cheese

Additional layers of choice:

chopped tomato

shredded lettuce

diced onion or green onion

guacamole or avocado

chopped bell pepper

chopped cilantro

sliced black olives

Mix the taco seasoning (or spice mix) into the refried beans. Cover the bottom of a glass casserole dish with this first layer. I usually use something in the 7x11 size range but you could stretch it in thin layers on a 9x13 or have thicker layers in a pie plate. Blend together the cream cheese and sour cream and add this on top of the beans. Cover with salsa. Sprinkle on the cheese and any additional layers you choose! Chill well in the fridge until ready to eat. Serve with tortilla chips!