I've mentioned before that I come from a football family and the hubs does not. Because of me we now follow BSU quite religiously, watch most of the BCS Bowl games (even though we think it a stupid system and needs to be changed), and follow my brother's NFL teams so we can be a part of the conversation when we get together.
And now that it's January the Super Bowl is coming up. That's one game we don't usually watch unless the Denver Broncos are playing, which isn't likely but you never know with Tebow. Ha, ha, I'm a poet and didn't even know it!
Okay that was lame but one thing we do enjoy about the Super Bowl is the fun foods that come around. So I thought I would share with you some of our favorite appetizers.
This is a ramped up 7-layer dip. Most 7-layer dips are basically the same and that's why I love this version. It has a touch of spiciness, great flavor, and absolutely delicious. Plus it's perfect for any kind of party.
Ultimate 7-layer Dip
Tomato Layer:
4 large tomatoes, cored, seeded, and chopped fine
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
3 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro
2 green onions, finely minced
2 Tbsp lime juice (if using fresh limes it's about 2)
1/8 tsp. salt
Guacamole Layer:
2 green onions, sliced thin, green and white parts separated
1 jalapeno chile, seeded and finely minced
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp. lime juice (from about 2 fresh limes)
3 avocados, pitted, peeled and chopped
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Salt to taste
Black Bean Layer:
1 16-ounce can black beans, drained but not rinsed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 fresh lime)
3/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
Sour Cream Layer:
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Cheese Layer:
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips, for serving
1. For the tomato layer, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, minced green onions, and lime juice. Stir in salt and let stand until tomatoes begin to soften, about 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer or colander and discard the liquid. Set aside.
2. For the guacamole, in a small bowl, combine the white parts of the green onions, jalapeno, garlic and lime juice. Let sit for 30 minutes. Add two-thirds of the avocado to the bowl with the jalapeno mixture and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gently fold remaining avocado into mashed avocado mixture. Gently stir in the green parts of the green onions and the cilantro. Season with salt. Set aside.
3. Pulse black beans, garlic, remaining lime juice, chili powder, and remaining salt in a food processor until mixture resembles a chunky paste. Transfer to a glass 8X8 or 9X9-inch dish or similar sized bowl, spreading into an even layer.
4. In a medium bowl combine the sour cream, 1 cup pepper jack cheese cheese and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Dollop the sour cream mixture on top of the black bean layer, smoothing to the edges in an even layer.
5. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Spread guacamole over cheese and top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips. The dip can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Enjoy!
Source: slightly adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe
