Grandma Robin's Bean Dip

I always enjoy making this dip because it reminds me of my mom.  She recently passed away in July (2013) at only 53 years old.  This was her go-to plate to pass.  It was always a hit even though it is super easy.

The only thing I've changed about it is the veggie topping.  She used to keep it REALLY simple by providing a bowl of salsa, or even pouring the salsa on half the pan. I stopped doing that because the bean dip would only last to the end of the party because of the watery salsa.  This recipe is normally made in a 9x13 cookie sheet, being that there is only Justin, Josh and I. I broke it into these 3 dishes.

The 2 smaller ones we ended up taking to work (they are the containers that deli meat comes in).  I think the glass dish is an 8"x 8" size.  You can actually make it in a variety of sizes using the ingredients below, it just depends on how thick you want each layer or how many you have to feed.

To be quite honest, this bean dip wasn't my favorite batch... I think that the refried bean layer was a tad too thick for my taste.  I should also have had added another roma tomato.  Eh, you live and learn, right?  

You can even make it festive.  Here is a picture of a bean dip I made for a Halloween party at work:

I put shredded Monterrey cheese (it's white) in the middle, and then put red jelly paste food coloring for the RIP.  I got the plastic critters from the dollar store.

Here's the recipe: 

Serving Size:  Ranges

• Large can(31 oz.) of Refried Beans
• 12 oz of sour cream 
• 1 packet of taco seasoning 
• 2 Cups of Mexican style cheese
• Depending on size of pan, 1-2 medium roma tomatoes for every 8" x 8" space (ie: 9x13 would take 3 to 4 roma tomatoes)
• 1 to 2 medium jalapenos
• green onions 
• Favorite tostito chips

Spread the refried beans in the dish you will be serving it on.   Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning together.  Layer the sour cream on top of the refried beans.   Sprinkle the cheese on top of the sour cream.  Remove the seeds/insides of the tomatoes and dice them up.  Remove the seeds/insides of the jalapenos and dice them.  Dice up the green onions.  Sprinkle the diced veggies on top of the cheese.  Refrigerator for at least one hour.  Serve with chips and enjoy!