Taco Seasoning Mix + Layered Fiesta Party Dip

Taco Seasoning Mix.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon salt-free chile powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:
In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Store in jar with tight lid. Makes 1/4 cup.

Layered Fiesta Party Mix...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Donna Erickson

Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
2 tablespoons Tasty Taco Seasoning Mix (recipe follows)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 ripe avocado, chopped
2 cups crisp lettuce, loosely chopped
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Tortilla chips for dipping

Directions:
1) To make cream-cheese mixture: In medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and seasoning mix.
2) To assemble salad: Spread cream-cheese mixture evenly over large dinner plate. Sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup of cheese. Continue layering tomatoes, onions, avocado, lettuce, black olives and remaining cheese. Serve with basketful of tortilla chips.


Donna Erickson's award-winning series "Donna's Day" is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, go to donnasday.com and link to the Donna's Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families."