Mexican cuisine is
characterized by spicy foods. Tortilla chips are often served with appetizer
dips. Tortilla chips are made from mesa,
a cornmeal mixture or from wheat flour.
Beans known as frijoles are a staple Mexican food. When mashed beans are cooked to a smooth
paste, they are called frijoles refritos or refried
beans. Salsa is a red sauce made from
uncooked tomatoes, green chilies and herbs. For a low fat dip, substitute
fat-free cream cheese, refried beans and cheddar cheese. Add some fire with sliced jalapenos and hot
salsa!
Preparation
time: About 15 minutes.
Equipment you’ll
need: Can opener, 2 wooden spoons, 2
mixing bowls, spatula, measuring spoons, liquid
measuring cup, tablespoon, 12-inch shallow serving plate and large serving
bowl.
Safety: After opening cans, immediately place sharp
lids in wastebasket. Keep cabinet doors
and drawers shut so you don’t bump into them.
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon dried cilantro leaves
1 16-ounce can refried beans
1 cup mild chunky salsa
4 ounces mild Cheddar cheese
1 2-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
Baked tortilla chips
1. In a bowl mix cilantro into cream cheese with
a wooden spoon; set aside.
2. In another bowl mix salsa into refried beans
with a wooden spoon; set aside.
3. Spread cream cheese mixture onto a serving
plate with a spatula.
4. Spoon bean mixture over cream cheese mixture
and smooth with a spatula.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top of bean mixture and
top with black olives.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate one
hour before serving.
7. Serve with a large bowl of tortilla
chips. .
Yield:
8 servings.
Clean up:
Clean counters with an anti-bacterial cleaner.
Leave kitchen spotless!
Carolyn Gass Hardimon, M. S.
Family and Consumer Science
Home Economist