Black Bean Dip

Black Bean Dip

from Swanson Vitamins

1 can (15oz) Black Beans drained (or cooked dried beans)

1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning or your favorite spicy mix

2 tablespoons chopped fresh onion

1 celery stalk

1-2 cloves crushed garlic

3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 teaspoon salt (as desired)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1/4 cup of water

Place celery in food processor and chop finely. In a skillet, sauté celery with the turkey bacon until bacon is crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients. If you like chunkier dip only beat for a few seconds. For a smoother dip, beat longer.

Makes 2 1/2 cups

NOTE: Try substituting any beans (black eye, conks, etc) for unique flavors. Beans are delicious mixed as well.

Taco Layer Dip

In our home, no matter who visits, or what the celebration is, the Taco Layer Dip is always a hit. 

Seldom are ever any leftovers. 

Serve with chips, home-made tortillas, veggies or pita chips.

Easily enjoyed as a main entrée, Taco Layer dip may be served similarly to pizza at meal time 

- except -

this dip is far tastier and much more nutritious than any "mere" pizza.

INGREDIENTS

    * 2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced

    * 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

    * 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

    * 1/4 cup salsa (see our recipe in the right column)

    * garlic salt to taste

    * ground black pepper to taste

    * 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

    * 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

    * 4 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

    * 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped

    * 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans

    * 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend

    * 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives - drained and finely chopped 

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and taco seasoning.

   

3. Chop your favorite onions and fresh peppers (include bell, banana and if desired, jalapeño) add seasonings (your family's favorites)

4. In a 9x13 inch dish or on a large serving platter, spread the refried beans.

5. Top with sour cream mixture.

6. Spread on guacamole.

7. Top with homemade salsa (tomatoes and a variety of fresh bell and banana peppers) green onions, Mexican-style cheese blend and black olives.

The finished product is delicious and sure to be a hit!