Tailgate party recipes are one of the major highlights of the games. It's a time when family and friends come together and new friends are made over a bowl of chow. As a matter of fact, the tailgaters have grown in leaps and bounds as more and more throw their hats in the ring and join in on the festivities, chef a great meal or entree in order to gain bragging rights as the best.

From the latest grilling techniques to the most authentic dishes, they mass in quantity to prepare the coveted 'secret' recipes. You'll find all kinds at your modern day tailgate party. Some starting as early as 8am or as soon as they're allowed access to the game's parking lot. In many places, it's becoming as important or memorable as the game itself. It's truly something to behold and people are serious about their food!

All that said, I'm going to bring to you today my coveted Vegetarian 7 Layer Dip Recipe. It's long overdue, so strap on your seat belt and let's go for the ride!

A couple of things first before we begin... There's more than one way to prepare this [of course], but for maximum flavor and character, the best way to make this dish is to take your time and pour a lot of love into your process.

EQUIPMENT

1 stock pot [to cook your beans - recipe not in this article]
1 skillet
1 spatula
1 knife
1 cutting board
1 mixing bowl
1 potato masher
1 deep dish glass lasagna pan [you can use another type of pan but the presentation in the glass is second to none]
1 large serving spoon

INGREDIENTS

5 cups refried beans [homemade]
3 cups salsa [homemade]
4 cups guacamole [homemade]
2 large red onions [chopped]
coconut oil
olive oil
1 1/2 tsp chipotle [powder]
5 jalapenos
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp fennel seed
1 tsp dill seed
1 cup cilantro
1/4 cup mint
1 cup sliced black olives
juice of 1 lime
sea salt [to taste]
2 lbs mushrooms [chopped and fried]
3 cups lettuce [shredded]
3 large tomatoes [diced]
1 cup green onions [chopped]

DIRECTIONS

Step 1. Heat your skillet add your oil, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dill seeds, 1/2 red onion, salt, saute until translucent and add your chopped mushrooms. Saute until aromatic and earthy brown with a meaty texture. Put aside.
Step 2. Heat your skillet, add your olive oil, 1/2 onion, salt, jalapenos, garlic, tomatoes, cilantro and mint. heat through and finish off with lime juice. Put aside.
Step 3. Heat your skillet, add your coconut oil and 1/2 chopped onion with a little sea salt. Saute your onions until they're translucent and add your chipotle powder, incorporate and add your cooked beans.
Step 4. With your potato masher, mash your beans until they are a semi-smooth paste [leave a little texture in them].
Step 5. Assemble your 7 layer dip in this order:

• 1.) Refried Beans
• 2.) Shredded Cheese
• 3.) Hot Salsa
• 4.) Mushrooms
• 5.) Shredded Lettuce
• 6.) Guacamole
• 7.) Sour Cream
and lastly...
• 8.) Garnish with Red and Green Onions, Black Olives, Diced Tomatoes, Cilantro and Shredded Cheese

Now trust me... If you make this dip... your biggest challenge isn't going to be which team won the game! It's gonna be how to keep the folks who ate your dip from following you home!
BE CAREFUL NOW! THIS STUFF IS SERIOUS!!! ;~D

As always, it's been my pleasure sharing with you again these time tested and approved vegetarian recipes! Until next time.