We look forward to the Super Bowl every year. It doesn't matter who's playing or whether or not anyone even has a vested interest in the game: what matters is the food and friends. For the past several years I've been making a layer dip for the game. If you're looking for a last minute idea for a party, a layer dip is a great idea: not only is it delicious and have flavors than can appeal to anyone, you can get crazy with the look as well. I present this year's match up: the NFC San Francisco 49ers vs. the AFC Baltimore Ravens.
The Dirt:
1) Start with a bottom layer of re-fried beans. You can move straight from the can, but I prefer to heat them up in the microwave, and stir in a mix of sauteed onions, garlic and jalapenos. Gives it a little extra.
The Cheese:
2) Next layer is a sprinkling of Mexican shredded cheese. Over that I pour a cheese dip (Tostito's makes a nice one without salsa mixed in.
3) Place in the refrigerator or freezer to let the cheese dip firm up for a smidge.
The Field:
4) You can either make your own guacamole or use a premade version. I like to make my own. Juice of two limes and 4 avocados. It's a bit lime heavy but the citrus creates a better balance for the dip. Spread over the whole platter.
5) Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the whole platter to give it that nice, grassy look.
The Endzones:
6) Depending on the Team's colors, you can get creative with the endzones. The red one above is roma tomatoes chopped up, and the logo composed of olives, cheese dip and sour cream. The "blue" one is predominantly olives, then tomatoes, sour cream and cheese dip for the logo.
The markers:
7) Pipe Sour cream all around the field, place your numbers and hash marks.
Party!
A special thanks to my mom, who is a master cake decorator. Watching her cook and bake growing up is one of a thousand things I enjoy about her and something I'm glad she taught me.
The Dirt:
1) Start with a bottom layer of re-fried beans. You can move straight from the can, but I prefer to heat them up in the microwave, and stir in a mix of sauteed onions, garlic and jalapenos. Gives it a little extra.
The Cheese:
2) Next layer is a sprinkling of Mexican shredded cheese. Over that I pour a cheese dip (Tostito's makes a nice one without salsa mixed in.
3) Place in the refrigerator or freezer to let the cheese dip firm up for a smidge.
The Field:
4) You can either make your own guacamole or use a premade version. I like to make my own. Juice of two limes and 4 avocados. It's a bit lime heavy but the citrus creates a better balance for the dip. Spread over the whole platter.
5) Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the whole platter to give it that nice, grassy look.
The Endzones:
6) Depending on the Team's colors, you can get creative with the endzones. The red one above is roma tomatoes chopped up, and the logo composed of olives, cheese dip and sour cream. The "blue" one is predominantly olives, then tomatoes, sour cream and cheese dip for the logo.
The markers:
7) Pipe Sour cream all around the field, place your numbers and hash marks.
Party!
A special thanks to my mom, who is a master cake decorator. Watching her cook and bake growing up is one of a thousand things I enjoy about her and something I'm glad she taught me.