From my cookbook… Dave’s 7 (Actually 9) Layer Dip
This is an off-schedule post because, with Super Bowl weekend coming up, I’d like you to have this appetizer on hand for your Super Bowl party! Or anytime you get together with friends and family!
There are over 300 recipes in my recently published cookbook, Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us (Click on the link in Note 1 to get your own copy). Even in these inflationary times, we can prepare delicious meals for our family and do so in a way that does not break the budget. And it’s all in the cookbook!
Introduction
I typically post recipes from my cookbook every Thursday, but I’m making an additional post this week because it’s Super Bowl weekend, baby! And you really want to have this special treat on hand for the crowd. Also, I wanted to post it a bit early because the stores will run out of the most popular ingredients, so I want you to run to the store and get what you need today! Actually, I went on Wednesday ahead of the Super Bowl to get chicken wings and other things I need because I know they sell out quickly.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, Diane and I are developing air fryer wing recipes for the Super Bowl that we should have ready soon! Yes, that’s two different recipes-One mild and one with a little heat!
One other thing…You will notice that there is a story with this recipe. I include stories with most of my recipes, as food is one of those things that brings people together. As you will see from the recipe, in the case of this delicious appetizer, it is my Air Force family. I still keep in touch with many of those great people, and it’s been over 40 years since I served and developed this delicious recipe! Enjoy on Superbowl weekend or anytime you get together with friends and family!
David Giustozzi’s 7 (Actually 9) Layer Bean Dip
I was in the Air Force for almost 8 years, then I did a year in the Reserve. My first four years were at Shaw, AFB, SC and my second, almost 4 years were at Luke, AFB, in Glendale (western-ish Phoenix) where I was a Crew Chief (maintenance) on RF-4C and F-15 fighter aircraft. I spent almost a year in the Reserve at Andrews AFB, MD where I was a Crew Chief on C-141 aircraft while working for American Airlines.
The reason I say almost 4 years is when I left in 1987, they were just beginning to implement BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) so they were offering folks who were not considering reenlisting to separate a little bit early. Since I wanted to go work for the airlines anyway, this worked out well for everyone.
For those of you who have been in the US military, you know it to be one of the greatest organizations in the world. It does not matter which branch you are in (my mother retired as an Army civilian from Ft. Belvoir, VA). They train many young men and women; provide experience you can get nowhere else and make leaders out of everyone who serves. Additionally, they mostly pay for a lot of folks to get their formal civilian education, should they choose to do so. I received 5 degrees while in the AF, earning my Masters in 1987. Look ma, no college loans!
Here's where this is going. Besides all of the things I mentioned above, the military is a family. They take care of each other. Sure, it’s hard and sometimes, we have to make the ultimate sacrifice for duty and country like my uncle did in France in WWII and many others since. Kristina continues the family tradition today by serving in the Oklahoma Air National Guard. During my time, many of us lived in on-base housing. We were surrounded by young families with kids. We were all friends. We were all working hard, trying to get ahead. We had a lot of get togethers, even shutting down the street to have a block party. And, my friends, that’s the first time I had 7 layer dip.
Many people make this dip in slightly different ways. But I tell you anyone who goes to the trouble to make this for their family and friends is a special person. It’s a lot of work for something that does not last until the main meal, it goes that fast. So, here is my (9 layer) version and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Hoo-rah!
Ingredients
16 oz can refried beans
1 Teaspoon taco seasoning (from package)
1 cup sour cream
2 cup guacamole (Note 1)
1 16 oz. jar salsa (Note 2)
2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped fine
1- 1½ cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
4 oz. can of sliced olives
1-11/2 cups diced tomatoes.
4 green onions, slice thin on the bias
Tortilla chips for serving (Note 3)
Directions
In a mixing bowl, put a little water in the bottom, mix the taco seasoning then the beans.
In a large glass 9 x 13 casserole dish (deep preferred), layer the ingredients evenly in the following order: refried beans/taco mix, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, olives tomatoes, green onion. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat. Serve with tortilla chips. Stand back so you don’t get hurt in the rush!
Notes
Going to extra effort to make fresh guacamole is what separates the so-so recipes from the really good ones. I recommend making David Giustozzi’s guacamole and half with 2 avocados. It’s that good.
I recommend Pace chunky; it stays on better. If you are not sure of the heat err on the side of caution and use the mild and not the hot as some diners do not like hot stuff. Same with the guac.
I like Tostito bite size round the best as they have the perfect balance in strength, taste and size.
Dave’s 7 (Actually 9) Layer Dip
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What’s in it for me?
Good eats, that’s what!
Call to Action
Show someone how much you love them by preparing a delicious meal for them. Later, enjoy the time and money you save by relishing your leftovers, either for lunch at work or dinner at home. Take comfort in knowing you are eating hearty food you prepared. All because you made a good decision to follow the recipes and tips in the cookbook I developed just for you.
Besides getting a copy of the cookbook for yourself, it makes an excellent gift for those you love and care for, especially for those with a young family who are looking to save time and money in the kitchen. And learn a few things in the process! What a great idea!
Recommended Resources
Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us by David Giustozzi (Note 1).
Up Next
Back to our regular post schedule.
Notes
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on the sale of any of these recommended resources.
Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/437OhVQ