when i dip you dip we dip

Most people know about 7-layer dip. They've made it, seen it, tasted it, or at least heard about it, I'm sure. If you're among those who haven't tried it, don't worry--I've eaten enough of it over my lifetime to compensate.

Surprisingly, I think this marks my first time making a layered dip, Mexican or other. Recipes vary--some people like to involve cream cheese, some exclude the lettuce, others make a layer out of guacamole or avocado spread (which I would've done, had there been a ripe avocado at the ready), and I've even seen versions made with beef and sausage. I took a traditional route, using refried beans mixed with chopped chiles as my base and topping that with cumin-spiced sour cream, which I find much more manageable than cream cheese but just as tasty. My other layers were pretty typical too, but I screwed everything up by adding diced jalapeno and some green onions to the top. By doing so, my creation suddenly became a 9-layer dip, which is a completely different animal.

This is a great thing to make for any occasion, planned or impromptu, because you can add or subtract whatever you want and the result will still be delicious and satisfying to a variety of palates. Just be sure you buy some extra-sturdy tortilla chips--this stuff will snap a thin chip before it even gets close to the bottom layer.

*There's still time to enter the Krusteaz giveaway! Semi-homemade at its finest.

Mexican 7 (or 8)(or 9)-Layer Dip
(printable recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa, homemade or purchased
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup olives
• 1 medium tomato, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced, optional
• 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced, optional

Directions:
In a medium bowl, mix together the refried beans and chiles. Spread mixture on a large platter or into a casserole dish.
In another medium bowl, mix sour cream and cumin. Carefully spread over bean mixture.
Top with salsa, lettuce and cilantro, cheese, olives, and tomato. Sprinkle on jalapeno and green onions, if you want.
Refrigerate until serving time. Serve with thick tortilla chips.