Mexican Layered Appetizer

This is an instant hit at any party and is lower in fat than most Mexican recipes. Of course, you can make it with the full-fat ingredients if you like. Experiment and add other garnishes, such as sausage, pepperoni, black beans or jalapenos.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 8  ounces fat free cream cheese or 8  ounces  neufchatel cheese or 8  ounces cream cheese
• 16  ounces  fat-free refried beans or 16  ounces  refried beans
• 12  ounces  picante sauce, divided (I use Pace's medium Picante)
• 8  ounces nonfat sour cream or 8  ounces sour cream

• GARNISHES

• 1⁄4 cup  diced celery (1 stalk)
• 2⁄3 cup cucumber, chopped and drained
• 1  cup  diced onions or 1  cup spring onion
• 2  whole tomatoes, finely diced and well-drained
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup  shredded low-fat sharp cheddar cheese or 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄4 cup  sliced green olives or 1⁄4 cup black olives (optional)

Directions

1. Soften cream cheese and spread in a round glass baking dish.
2. Mix 6 tbs picante sauce with the refried beans.
3. Spread over cream cheese.
4. Spread sour cream over refried beans.
5. Spoon remainder of picante sauce over sour cream.
6. Sprinkle onions, celery and cucumbers over dish.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
8. Garnish with diced (well-drained) tomatoes.
9. ***Ifusing sliced olives, sprinkle over tomatoes.
10. Serve with corn chips or tostatoes.