Warm Bean Dip

I made this here dip for the Super Bowl. Being that I hold the title of "food blogger" I should have made this in advance so I could have blogged about it prior to the big game, thus giving you all the chance to partake as well. Here's my confession:

I did.

I made this for the first time in mid-December for a par-tay at the bouncy house thing down the street. I thought I was so clever picking something that I could take pictures of in advance and try out for the Super Bowl. Warm bean dip was the perfect recipe for both occasions. Two birds, one stone, so to speak. Then, like a fool, I waited too late to make my dip and by the time it twas done it was much too dark in my kitchen for any glamour shots. You see, I have zero lighting equipment. You should see my attempts to get good food shots sometimes. It's rather hilarious. Me hunched over my camera, clicking dials like crazy, turning that damn flash off for the hundredth time, usually one hand trying to click while the other pours syrup or sauce over the food, all the while making sure my focus is good, steadying my hand, and making sure it's not too blurry. It's ridiculous at times and it doesn't always work out.

And this particular night, it definitely didn't work out. And I wasn't even trying to pour anything. So now, you get it late. Sorry. Luckily, this one is a crowd pleaser and good for much more than just the Super Bowl. Any party or gathering is a welcome occasion for bean dip. May I suggest serving it at the party you might throw for The Bachelor finale? One, because it's the finale. And two, because who's not excited to see Ben pick Courtney and then find out they have broken up on After The Final Rose because that woman is a cah-razy, manipulative tool. Don't worry, I'm not spoiling anything. It's just my personal hope.

Disclaimer: I haven't seen hometowns yet, so If he already sent her home then just scratch that last statement.

Mostly, I haven't seen it because we had people over on Monday night so I missed it. I was supposed to catch it the next day on Hulu, but my afternoons have looked something like this as of late:

I did have the foresight to snap a picture of my new favorite nail polish color for you all. It's Essie's "Fiji". Isn't it dreamy? My friend Danielle gave this to me for Valentines Day and I absolutely love it. It's the perfect color to madly turn the pages of a book in. :)

Back to the dip. I had seen a few recipes around for bean dip and decided to cut, pretty siginificantly, the amount of cheese you are supposed to put in this thing. Never fear, I also left in a good amount and it was perfect, creamy and well seasoned. Whats better is how easy it is. Beans, cheese, salsa and taco seasoning. Mix. Bake. Eat. Oh, it's good.

Warm Bean Dip

serves 10 as an appetizer

2 15-oz cans refried beans

1 cup shredded mexican blend cheese, divided

1 12-oz jar salsa

1 taco seasoning packet (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Mix the beans, 1/2 cup of the cheese, salsa and taco seasoning packet together in a large bowl. Smooth into a large pie plate or 8x8 pyrex dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot in the center.

Top the beans with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese ans place back in the oven until it's melted, about 5 minutes. Serve with salty tortilla chips

The taco seasoning is optional. I made it once without it on accident and really didn't miss it to my surprise.