Gift Ideas, Gift Wrap, Recipes and More

Posted by Cindy on December 30th, 2006 in Snack Food Recipes

3 cups shredded lettuce

1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup chopped red sweet pepper (and/or yellow sweet pepper)

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream

2 finely chopped jalapeno peppers

1 teaspoon shredded lime peel

1 8-ounce jar (1 cup) chunky salsa

1/2 of a medium avocado, peeled and coarsely chopped

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese

1/3 cup chopped pitted ripe olives

1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

16 ounces tortilla chips

1. Line a 12-inch platter with the shredded lettuce. Stir together black beans, sweet pepper, and green onions. Spoon atop lettuce, leaving a lettuce border. Dollop sour cream atop bean mixture; gently spread in a smooth layer atop beans, leaving a border. Sprinkle with jalapeno peppers and lime peel.

2. Drain excess liquid from salsa. Stir in avocado; spoon atop sour cream layer, leaving a border. Sprinkle cheese atop. Top with a layer of chopped ripe olives and sprinkle with cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 6 hours. Serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips or purchased chips. Makes about 32 appetizer servings.