Recipe Time--Taco Salad Dip

(Before we get started, or, perhaps when you finish...will you check out this post...for a great Holiday challenge?)

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Today, my friends...I'm gonna let you in on a secret...

You gotta keep it quiet, tho'...'kay? Under wraps, all to yourself.

Ya hear me?

I'm gonna let you in on how to make the best dip known to mankind...or womankind. Peoplekind? Sheesh, this PC stuff trips me up...

This, is Mama M.'s Famous Taco Salad Dip:

Wait, stop right there!! No sighing or eyerolling...I know, I know. Everyone has probably tried some version of this dip...but honey...you just ain't seen the light 'til you tried mine!!

Seriously. I have honed this recipe to perfection.

It's like crack. Once you start, you just can't stop.

Okay...to get started, grab this:


Then (making sure the cream cheese is nice and soft), toss it all together:


Now? Stop cursing me and my amateur...no, no scratch that...my novice photography skills, and just bear with me. Or, say a quick prayer...I may be up on my roof with a hatchet, trying to let more "natural light" in.

You just never know.

Next, cut up a lovely green pepper, and her cute little side-kick...the Roma tomato.


I'll show you, quick...a no fail way to cut Romas...I don't like all that middle pulpy/seedy junk, so this works wonders in my world.

(Tomato lovers of the world, please don't hate me if I am somehow violating some code of ethics. Please. I don't think I could handle it...)

Okay, so first, cut the Roma into slices:


Next, cut the good stuff off around the edges:


Like so:


Then, cut the "good stuff" up into nice little pieces...but, because you are new to food blogging...forget to take a photo of that step.

And, just for good measure, also forget to take photos of the lettuce and cheese...

But, I digress...

Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a large platter, sprinkle with lettuce, then green pepper and tomato, and finally, shredded cheese!

If you veer from aforementioned toppings, I will NOT be held responsible for the outcome of your dip (although, if it's delicious, then I will...). What I have found is that (I hate black olives) the above toppings are perfection.

Complete palatable perfection.


Mama M.'s Famous Taco Salad Dip:

1 brick cream cheese, softened
1 c. sour cream
1 package taco seasoning (I use "hot"...it gives just the right amount of heat to the dip)
1/2 jar (smallish jar) Pace picante (it's gotta be Pace...no "Thick and Chunky", either!!)
1 green pepper
2 Roma tomatoes
1 bag shredded lettuce
1 cup. shredded "Mexican Cheese" (it is imperative that you find the shredded cheese with "pepper jack" in the mix. Imperative.)

Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and salsa. Spread on a large platter. Top with lettuce, green pepper, tomatoes and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.