Simple Taco Dip

 

I am doing a Relief Society Demo tonight on Flat Breads. Since Tortillas are flat breads, and you make tortilla crisps/chips with tortillas, one of the things I am bring along to share is this Simple Taco Dip.  (Relief Society is our ladies auxiliary at church.)

 

At its very simplest it is quick, easy and delicious . . .  but it is also very easily amped up to something more by making a few tweaks, none of them very complicated.  This is one recipe you can very easily adapt to individual family tastes.

 

For the creamy dip which is on the bottom, I like to make my own Taco seasoning.  Its very easily done and I know what is in it, which I like.  I hate filling us up with preservatives, sodium and sugars.  This just gets mixed into a mix of sour cream and cream cheese.  Simple.

 

You can also amp it up by adding a layer of taco beef on the bottom.  (Room temperature.)  I tell you how in the recipe.  You can also use the Taco seasoning for this. 

 

Shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes go on top of the creamy mixture.  Make sure you drain your chopped tomatoes or you will have too much juice.  I use cherry tomatoes because I think they are sweeter. 

 

On top of the tomatoes you add a nice thick layer of grated cheese.  I use a mix of strong and mild cheddar, but you can use Jack cheese if you want, or if you really want some spice mix in some jalapeno jack.  Wowsa! 

 

And that's it, the dip at its simplest.  Now is when you can play and have fun with it, by adding layers of things your family loves. 

 

Chopped spring onions, and bell peppers.  You can do only green pepper or you can do a mix of different colours. 

 

Chopped black and or green olives. They also had nice flavours, as do chopped pickled jalapeno peppers.  (Do be judicious with those as they can really pack a punch!)

  

This is great for game nights, served chilled from the refrigerator (which makes it a great make-ahead) with a variety of chips and dippers! 

Yield: 16Author: Marie Rayner

Simple Taco Dip

prep time: 20 minscook time: total time: 20 mins

This is a taco dip at its very basic, but it can also easily be amped up to something much more exciting, depending on ingredients used and individual tastes.

ingredients:

250g cream cheese (8 ounces)

250g sour cream (8 ounces)

2 TBS taco seasoning (see recipe below)

1/2 head of lettuce, finely shredded (1 1/2 cups)

120g cherry tomatoes, chopped and drained (1 1/2 cups)

180g grated cheese (1 1/2 cups, I use strong cheddar)

Optional Toppings and additions:

chopped black and/or green olives

chopped spring onions

chopped sweet bell pepper

chopped roasted jalapeno pepper

chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

a layer of taco beef (put on the bottom,

brown a pound of ground beef with some taco seasoning, salt and pepper, drain well

and place on the bottom of dip dish)

A layer of re-fried beans (just open the tin and spread on the bottom of the

dip dish)

You will also need tortilla crisps/chips for dipping

instructions:

You will also need tortilla crisps/chips for dipping

For
 the basic dip, whisk together the cream cheese, sour cream and taco
seasoning, mixing all together well. Spread in the bottom of a 9 by 13
inch glass dish.  Top with the lettuce and then the tomatoes and finally
 the cheese. Cover and chill for several hours.  Serve chilled with
tortilla crisps/chips.

If you want to amp this
up, stir a can of well drained green chilies into the cream cheese
mixture, or whisk in a teaspoon of chipotle pepper paste (or to taste).
 You can also put a layer of cooked taco meat in the bottom of the dish
and top with the cream cheese mixture, and add other toppings as
desired.

Created using The Recipes Generator

 

Author: Marie Rayner

Taco Seasoning

prep time: 10 minscook time: total time: 10 mins

Not just for tacos! Add it to salad dressings, casseroles, soups, etc.

ingredients:

1 TBS mild Chili powder

1/2 TBS ground cumin

1/2 TBS onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp dried oregano flakes

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

instructions:

Whisk together all of the ingredients and store in an airtight container in a dark place for up to 6 months.

To
 use for Tacos.  Brown a pound of lean ground beef (or chicken or
turkey) together with one chopped onion.  Drain well. Add 1 TBS of the
seasoning mix and 120ml/1/2 cup water.  Cook, simmer, until most of the
liquid has evaporated.

Created using The Recipes Generator

 

I really hope that the ladies enjoy what I am preparing for them and sharing with them tonight!  Fingers crossed!  Bon Appetit!