The Perfect Holiday Party Recipe

I thought I'd take a little break from all the heavy-duty, war-and-peace-related stuff in order to post a great holiday recipe. It's a Better Homes & Gardens "Favorite" Mexican Seven-Layer Dip recipe that my family, friends, and co-workers just love. So, here it is:

Mexican Seven-Layer Dip

Prep: 15 mins.

Makes: 16 servings

Chill: 4 to 24 hrs.

1 9-oz. can bean dip

1/4 c. picante or taco sauce

1 8-oz. container refrigerated guacamole

1 8-oz. carton dairy sour cream

1 c. shredded cheddar or taco cheese

1/4 c. sliced green onion (optional)

2 tblsp. sliced, pitted ripe olives

2/3 c. chopped seeded tomato (1 medium)

8 c. tortilla chips or crackers

1. Combine bean dip and picante (or taco) sauce. Spread mixture into a 1/4-inch-thick, 9x5 rectangle on a serving platter (or in a casserole dish). Carefully spread guacamole and sour cream over bean dip mixture. Top with cheese, green onion, and olives. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

2. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped tomato. Serve with tortilla chips.

(Notes: I like to substitute the tomato and onions for canned, diced chili-ready tomatoes that have built-in onion flavoring. Also, I prefer to use taco cheese and taco sauce. As for chips, I recommend accompanying this dip with Tostitos Scoops!. Finally, this stuff tastes best when paired with a Corona, Mojito, or Margarita.)

Source: Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, Limited Edition, p. 66. Des Moines, Iowa: Meredith Books, 2007.