Taco Seasoning Mix + Layered Fiesta Party Dip

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I wanted to make at least a token effort to feature a couple of new recipes for Cinco de Mayo, but I've had a hard time finding anything interesting or unusual to share with you this year. I changed my tactics when I remembered a series of low cost dishes, developed years ago for a women's group that was looking for inexpensive ways to stretch their food dollars. Some of the recipes we developed never made it to the blog, and several of them were for Mexican dishes. I, unfortunately, couldn't find them when I went looking through my files. The one I wanted to share with you was a homemade taco seasoning mix that could be used as an inexpensive base for many Mexican or Southwestern dishes. Google came to the rescue and directed me to an article in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, written by Donna Erickson, that had a recipe for a taco seasoning mix, much like the one that had gone missing. The article also had a recipe for a layered dip that would make me feel less guilty about sharing such a slight offering with you. So, thanks to Donna, I have a couple of nice recipes to feature here tonight.I know those of you who give the recipes a try will be pleased with the results. Here is how the south-of-the-border spice mix and the dip are made.

Taco Seasoning Mix...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Donna Erickson

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon salt-free chile powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:
In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Store in jar with tight lid. Makes 1/4 cup.

Layered Fiesta Party Mix...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Donna Erickson

Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
2 tablespoons Tasty Taco Seasoning Mix (recipe follows)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 ripe avocado, chopped
2 cups crisp lettuce, loosely chopped
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Tortilla chips for dipping

Directions:
1) To make cream-cheese mixture: In medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and seasoning mix.
2) To assemble salad: Spread cream-cheese mixture evenly over large dinner plate. Sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup of cheese. Continue layering tomatoes, onions, avocado, lettuce, black olives and remaining cheese. Serve with basketful of tortilla chips.


Donna Erickson's award-winning series "Donna's Day" is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, go to donnasday.com and link to the Donna's Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families."

                    

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