David's 8 Layer Dip

This is one of my very favorite dips! I got the recipe from my brother in law David, who makes it for family get-togethers. It is SO good! It feeds a lot of people so it's great to take to barbecues, church activities, etc. I just made it yesterday to take to my good friend's daughter's graduation party. It is a lot like a 7 layer dip, but the extra layer that David adds, the chopped eggs, puts this dip over the top and makes it so yummy!

David's 8 Layer Dip

2, 9 oz containers Spicy Bean Dip (I used Frito Hot Bean Dip, found in stores by the chips)
14 oz guacamole (spicy or regular, I used Wholly Guacamole)
16 oz sour cream
3 large ripe tomatoes or 5-6 ripe plum tomatoes, diced
1 small can sliced olives, drained
9 green onions, sliced
1 dozen eggs, boiled and chopped
salt & pepper
Mrs. Dash seasoning blend
2-3 cups shredded cheese (I used a cheddar jack blend)
tortilla chips (for serving)

You can make this dip on a large platter or in a 9x13 or 11x17 baking dish (I always use a big glass platter). Spread the bean dip so it's about 1/4 inch thick on the bottom of the platter. Spread guacamole on top of the bean dip. Spread sour cream on top of the guacamole. Sprinkle diced tomatoes evenly over the sour cream. Sprinkle sliced olives evenly over the tomatoes. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the olives, you may not use all the green onions.

In a bowl, combine chopped eggs with salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash to taste. Sprinkle seasoned chopped eggs in an even layer over the green onions, again you will probably not use all the chopped eggs. Top with shredded cheese in a nice thick layer. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips.

Orange Julius

One of my favorite mall snacks is an Orange Julius. I just love them! So it is handy to be able to make this at-home version. I love it, my kids love it, so we often have Orange Juliuses for lunch on no-school days. The last time I made this recipe we had it with homemade soft pretzels. What is better than a soft pretzel and a sweet and tangy Orange Julius?? Such a yummy combination.

Orange Julius

6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
10-12 ice cubes

In a blender combine orange juice concentrate, milk, water, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Pulse until smooth and frothy. Add ice and blend until smooth. Makes 4-5 servings.

Favorite Chicken Broccoli Casserole

I have tried so many chicken broccoli/chicken divan casseroles through the years and I've finally found my favorite. It is just the perfect mixture of creamy and cheesy and I love the Ritz crumb topping. It's just a great comfort food casserole. I served it with rice and carrots and my whole family enjoyed it. Yum!

Favorite Chicken Broccoli Casserole

3 cups cooked and cubed chicken
2 cups cooked broccoli florets
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375.

In a large bowl combine chicken, cooked broccoli, soups, sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cup of shredded cheddar. In a separate bowl combine cracker crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle cracker crumb mixture over the casserole. Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden. Serve over rice.