7/30/11

Seven Layer Dip


Nothing beats a good seven layer dip at a summer gathering. Everyone will gather around the dip and enjoy good conversation, interspersed with exclamations of, "I can't stop eating this dip!" and "This stuff is amazing!" This is always my experience with seven layer dip. It is definitely a crowd pleaser. Plus, it is super easy to make. Sometimes I make a simplified version (pictured above) if I don't have everything on hand, which is still delicious.

Seven Layer Dip

2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup salsa
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 sliced


In a medium bowl, mash the avocados. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and taco seasoning.
In a 9x13 inch dish or on a large serving platter, spread the refried beans. Top with sour cream mixture. Spread on guacamole. Top with tomatoes, green onions, Mexican-style cheese blend and black olives.
Devour with tortilla chips.



Evidence of good times surrounding seven layer dip:


7/27/11

Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade


Sara fell in love with this refreshing summer beverage at a sandwich shop in Chelsea, so much that she looked up the recipe online so we could recreate it at home. I am so glad she did, because it is so easy and so delicious. And it just tastes like summer. The flavors of the watermelon, strawberry and lemon are very well balanced. Serve it chilled for the perfect summer treat. You will love it!

Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, halved
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup water
3-4 ice cubes


Combine everything in blender and blend until smooth. Serve chilled.

Recipe found on Allrecipes, copycat of a drink from Bottino.