Layered Bean Dip

There are times when my husband Cory just says to me, "Can you make me that bean dip you like to make?" If there's ever a request for a recipe to be made, it's like I think it's a secret mission and I immediately get to work. This has become one of our favorites to bring to parties. I love to prepare it in a trifle bowl because I think it just looks so pretty. YUM!

Layered Bean Dip

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 package taco seasoning mix

- 2 (16 oz.) cans refried beans

- 1 (8 oz.) cube cream cheese, softened

- 1 (16 oz.) container sour cream, slightly room temperature

- 2 avocados, mashed

- 1 (16 oz.) jar salsa

- 1 green bell pepper, chopped

- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded

- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 bunch small green onions

- 1 large tomato, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1) In a medium bowl, stir together the taco seasoning mix and the refried beans. Spread the mixture into your serving platter (I use a trifle bowl).

2) Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. (HINT: to avoid little lumps from forming, make sure the cream cheese is softened, and let the sour cream be closer to room temperature.) Spread onto the bean layer.

3) In a small bowl, mix the avocados with about 1/3 of the jar of salsa. Spread onto the cream cheese layer.

4) Spread the salsa on top of avocado layer. Finish with the remaining layers: bell peppers, lettuce, cheese, green onions, and tomato. Chill until ready to serve with tortilla chips.