GINAS REFRIED BEANS & CHEESE DIP

REFRIED BEAN AND CHEESE DIP - submitted by GINA 

(Although this is a dip, it is very filling. When dipped with Tortilla Chips, I have had this as a meal.)

Ingredients:
* 2-16oz. cans refried beans
* 16 ounces cream cheese (believe me, this makes it special!)
* 1/4 cup salsa
* Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (May use Cheddar or Monterrey Jack)
* Garlic Powder to individual taste
* Optional - sour cream, olives, hot peppers, guacamole, onion

Directions:
1. Mix the refried beans, garlic powder and salsa together. Spread out half of the mixture in the bottom of a small, oven proof casserole.
2. Put a layer of cream cheese on top of the first layer of refried bean mixture.
3. Top this layer of cream cheese with the remaining refried bean mixture.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and put in a 350F oven for about 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated.

Southwestern Layered Bean Dip

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 16 ounce(s) beans, refried, fat-free, preferably "spicy"
• 15 ounce(s) beans, black, rinsed
• 4 whole scallion(s) (green onions), sliced
• 1/2 cup(s) salsa
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup(s) pepper(s), jalapenos, pickled, chopped
• 1 cup(s) cheese, cheddar, shredded, or shredded Monterey Jack
• 1 1/2 cup(s) lettuce, romaine, chopped
• 1 medium tomato(es), chopped
• 1 medium avocado, chopped
• 1/4 cup(s) olive(s), black, sliced (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese.
2. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using).

Nutritional Info (Per serving):

Calories: 146, 

Saturated Fat: 3g, 

Sodium: 288mg, 

Dietary Fiber: 5g, 

Total Fat: 7g, 

Carbs: 15g, 

Cholesterol: 12mg, 

Protein: 7g

Carb Choices: 0.5