The Best Layered Taco Dip Recipe

July 11, 2017appetizers, parties, snacksSheri SpalloneComment

You know you hit the appetizer jackpot when you return home from a gathering with an empty dish once graced with layers of savory taco goodness.

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This quick and easy classic layered dip has been a crowd favorite at our get-togethers and potlucks for years. Loaded with refried beans, creamy guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cheese, it is our secret ingredients, Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend and Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning, that take this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary. It is no wonder why this recipe has earned the prestigious title "The Best Layered Taco Dip Recipe" from our friends and family. Since it is the "best," we would be amiss not to share it with you.

Whether it is a potluck or Game Day celebration, this dip will seriously score big with your gang! It feeds a crowd, it can be made ahead, and it will definitely become your new favorite party appetizer!

Ingredients

1 16 oz. can of refried beans
1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning
8 oz. of your favorite guacamole (We tested this recipe with Wholly Guacamole)
12 oz. sour cream
2 heaping Tablespoons (Tbsp) Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend
1 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives, drained
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (optional)
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (sometimes we use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses)
Tortilla chips (or substitute Frito Scoops for the tortilla chips)

Preparation

In a small bowl, soften the refried beans in a microwave for about 20 seconds. (This process makes the beans easier to spread). Add the Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning to the refried beans and mix. Spread the bean mixture in a shallow baking dish (For the pretty factor, use a glass baking dish to show off the different layers). For the next layer, spread the guacamole over the refried beans.

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend and spread over the guacamole layer.

If using lettuce (optional), sprinkle over the sour cream. Next, sprinkle the tomatoes, followed by the cheese, green onions, and olives. Finally, for a festive flair, sprinkle a small amount of Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend over the dip.

Refrigerate the taco dip for at least a couple of hours to overnight. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips (we used Frito Scoops this time) and watch this glorious layered dip disappear. We dare you to try just one bite!

Or, mix things up for Halloween and create this creepy spider web. Expose the guacamole layer exposed, then add the cheese, olives, tomatoes an scallions around the edge. Serve with blue corn tortilla chips for a spooky effect and add a fake spider and you are all set for Halloween!

Enjoy!

Yum

Best Darn Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

July 7, 2017snacks, salads, salad dressingsSheri SpalloneComment

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

One condiment you will find abundantly stocked in our home is Ranch Dressing. Since our second child was young (by far the pickiest of our three children), Ranch dressing was the quintessential condiment and the only way we could entice him to eat vegetables, chicken tenders, burgers, and pretty much anything. Whenever our children stayed at their grandparents' homes, we forewarned them to keep Ranch dressing on hand or suffer the consequences.

To this day, Ranch is still our son's preferred condiment, but he's hardly the picky eater he was in the past. He considers himself "The Master Taster Tester" of the family (something he coined when he was younger). I had never made Homemade Ranch before until our son asked, "Mom, what is in ranch dressing?" I was stumped. So, we looked up the ingredients, and as it turns out, I had everything on hand, including fresh herbs from our garden. I sensed a method to his madness, so after playing with a few ingredients, I surprised him later with homemade ranch dressing. His smile said it all.

From The "Master Taster Tester's" lips, "Mom, this is the best darn ranch dressing ever!", It only seemed fitting to share this recipe with the world and label it The Best Darn Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe. Embodied in creamy buttermilk, Cherchies® Lem'n Dill, Cherchies® Garlic 'n Herbs, and other fresh herbs, this tasty ranch dressing recipe will appease even the most discerning ranch lover; but beware, you may never go back to the bottled ranch dressing again! Use this dressing in all your favorite recipes: a dip for vegetables, chicken tenders, fries, a spread on sandwiches, and a salad dressing.

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have made this recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

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Ingredients

1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream (could substitute Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup half and half
1 teaspoon (tsp) white vinegar
1 teaspoon (tsp) lemon juice
1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) coarsely chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon (tsp) chopped fresh parsley (3/4 teaspoon dried)
1 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) Cherchies® Lem'n Dill Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (tsp) Cherchies® Garlic 'n Herbs No-Salt Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (tsp) ground black pepper

Preparation

Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Pulse to combine. If the recipe is too thick, add more half-and-half or milk to the mixture.

Refrigerate and chill for at least an hour, but overnight is preferable, as the flavors will marry. Serve over your favorite salad or as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken tenders, pretzels, vegetables, or whatever your heart desires.

Enjoy!

**Note: In the post, I mentioned buttermilk. I rarely have buttermilk on hand, so I use half and half and a teaspoon of white vinegar to simulate buttermilk. It is a quick and easy substitution.