Spooky Seven Layer Dip

Seven-layer dip is a popular party appetizer with layers of delicious flavors and textures. Here's a classic recipe with a Halloween twist for seven-layer dip:

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) can refried black beans

• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix (get a healthy one or make your own with chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper)

• 1 cup guacamole

• 1 cup grass fed cultured sour cream or dairy-free alternative (dairy free sour cream or yogurt)

• 1 cup green salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on your preference)

• 1 cup shredded white or orange cheddar or monterey/pepper jack cheese or dairy-free cheese

• 1 cup diced orange tomatoes

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• jalapenos (optional)

• organic blue corn tortilla chips and fresh vegetable sticks for dipping (carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, green and orange bell peppers)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Taco Seasoned Beans:
   

   • In a small mixing bowl, combine the refried beans and the taco seasoning mix. Stir until well blended. You can also warm this mixture slightly in the microwave if you prefer.

1. Layer 1: Refried Beans:
   

   • Spread the seasoned refried beans evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch serving dish or a similar-sized platter.

1. Layer 2: Guacamole:
   

   • Carefully spread the guacamole over the beans, creating a smooth layer.

1. Layer 3: Sour Cream:
   

   • Next, spread the sour cream over the guacamole layer. To keep the layers distinct, you can use the back of a spoon to gently spread it.

1. Layer 4: Salsa:
   

   • Pour the salsa over the sour cream layer. Spread it out evenly to cover the surface.

1. Layer 5: Cheese:
   

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese) over the salsa layer. Ensure even coverage.

1. Layer 6: Tomatoes:
   

   • Scatter the diced tomatoes on top of the cheese layer, providing a burst of freshness and color.

1. Layer 7: Olives, Green Onions, and Cilantro:
   

   • Sprinkle sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro (if using) evenly over the tomatoes, creating a vibrant top layer.

1. Serve:
   

   • Serve the seven-layer dip immediately or cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy it. It's best served with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

This seven-layer dip is a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Feel free to customize it by adding or omitting ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying appetizer!