Lets Tacobout Dip

When I was a wee lad,  my Aunt Kelly brought a taco dip to a family event. It was love at first bite. Since then I always looked forward to BBQs and other cookouts, as I knew my Aunt would whip together her delicious taco dip. I have attempted to make this on my own a few times, but it just never comes out the same as hers. Food is never as good, as when it is prepared by someone who loves you.

Recently I attempted this recipe for my friend Heather's birthday bash. I was rather excited to see how it would be received in a room full of people who didn't know me or what I was doing with all this cooking. A few hours before we had to leave, the cooking madness began. The recipe itself is fairly simple; a foundation of cream cheese and sour cream whipped together with some taco seasoning; blanketed by taco meat, shredded lettuce, and whatever other add-ons you prefer.  Arriving at the party with the meat dip in my hand the non-taco meat dip being carried by my brother, we squeezed through passing off our contributions to the party and saying our hellos to the hostess. The place was packed, which is usually the case of Heather's parties. She knows how to throw a mighty fine shindig. The party was excellent. I didn't really know anyone save for 2-3 people I had gone to college with. My brother and I quickly got a hold of a drink and found a place to hunker down for the evening.

The bulk of the people hung out around the food table and most; which is to be expected at any party with delicious treats. Eventually, I found myself struggling through the crowd to get to some food and I noticed everyone was just standing around going to town on some Taco Dip. I grabbed my snacks and threw them on a plate and sauntered back to my chair feeling might proud of myself. The night rolled on; drinks were invented, snacks were consumed, conversations were had with new friends. Eventually, I found myself back at the food table only to realize that someone else had also brought a plate of taco dip and mine had barely been touched. My pride morphed into a seance of melancholy. In walks the silver lining. As the night came to a close and the good hugs were given; my brother and I ventured back to my car with most of the dip I arrived with as well as the chips in hand. It made for excellent midnight driving snacks on our way back home

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 8 oz reduced-fat sour cream
• 16 oz jar mild salsa
• 1.5 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded fine
• 2 large tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2.25 oz sliced black olives
• 1lb if ground beef or turkey

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and half a pack of taco seasoning and mix well with an electric mixer.
• Spread on the bottom of a large shallow glass dish.
• Cook the meat with the other pack of taco season as the pack instructs and layer it on top of the mixture.
• Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and black olives; as you see fit
• Serve with baked tortilla chips.