7 Layer Dip

I love 7 layer, but I find the store-bought versions always load on the beans and olives (I hate olives and beans I enjoy but prefer not to pay for a 7 layer dip that is 70% beans)

This recipe is great... remember you can use plain sour cream and store-bought guacamole if you wish, but I prefer the sour-cream mix as it is more flavourful and the home-made guacamole because you can season it to taste.

The best part of making this yourself is you can put as much or as little (or none) of certain layers as you wish.

What you'll need:
- 2 cans of bean dip (or refrined beans)
- 1 cup onion (chopped, I prefer green onion as garnish on top but the recipe is regular inion mixed with or on top of beans)
- 1 1/2 cups guacamole dip (see recipe for home made here)
- Sour cream mix (see recipe here or use plain sour cream)
- 2 cup fresh plum tomatoes (chopped or diced)
- 6 ounces black olives (optional - I don't use)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded/grated - you can use mexi-mix pre-shredded if you wish)

So easy you won't believe it! All you need to do is layer the ingredients above in the order you read them. For instance, place a nice layer of the bean dip on the bottom of a glass bowl, followed by a layer of the chopped onion, etc... You can also use Salsa instead of or together with tomatoes.

Your dip will look beautiful through the glass bowl and should be topped with the tomatoes, shredded cheese, olives (and green onion if you choose)

DIPS for CHIPS

I will use this as a spot to link all my recipes for dips and sauces.

Check back often.

Mexi-Sour Cream Dip

I like to use this with tortilla chips or in 7 layer dip or just to add a zip to anything really.

Mexi-Sour Cream Mix:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 envelope of taco seasoning

Mix, Serve, Use, Enjoy

Really Good HOT Spinach & Artichoke Dip

An old friend taught me how to make this dip years ago. I've since modified it slightly, but that's what everyone should do with recipes to find what they like best. I don't know exact amount because it depends on how thick or creamy you want it... Here are aproximates.

Block of Cream Cheese.

1/2c. Mayo

1/2c. sour cream

Block of Havarti Dill Cheese

Can of Artichoke hearts (I only use half)

block of frozen spinach

Dash of Cayenne

1. Thaw and Drain Spinach. (Be sure spinach is patted as dry as possible)
2. Open and drain artichokes (I only use half a can)
3. Mix cream cheese, mayo, sour cream in bowl,
4. Grate in Havarti Dill Cheese.
5. Spice to taste with Cayenne.
6. Slowly mix in Spinach and Artcihokes (You may also use crab meat if you wish)
7. Spoon into baking dish.
8. Top with Grated Havarti Dill Cheese.
9. Warm in oven until slightly bubbly.
10. Serve with torilla chips or sour dough bread.

It's been a hit every part I've made it for. I used to make it all the time. feel free to adjust to your liking (for example I only use a half can of artichoke hearts and lot's of cayenne pepper)

Red Robin Fave

My absolute favourite burger at Red Robin is the California Chicken Burger. Not just for the guacamole..... but the bacon, the tender chicken breast and the bottomless french fries.... which, I forgot when I was there earlier, can come as a poutine now.... Mmmmm.....

I went to Red Robin for dinner with one of my besties for our usual chit chat eats. caught up on the gossip then came to my place to hang out.

Something about the California Chicken Burger always makes me happy....

And the bottomless fries... so unhealthy but so tastey.... I like to dip them in Ranch, Plum Sauce and Hot Buzz Sauce.

**PS - Poutine and Plum Sauce are both quite Canadian... if you do not know what they are click the links for details!

Plum Sauce

When I go to Red Robin in Canada I get plum Sauce for my fries. In America, they do not have plum sauce and look at me like some crazy-canadian....

Plum Sauce is similar to sweet & sour sauce but made with sweet fruits (such as plums) as well as vinegar and other spices.

Often associated with Asian Cuisine, it has been made sweeter and mass produced for fast food places (such as Mc Donalds) and resturant (such as Red Robin)

It's sweet and delicious and great with chicken strips, french fries or anything else you like to dip in sauce.