Quick and Easy Hors D'oeuvres - Mexican Flavor Bowl

This Labor Day weekend, my family was invited to share the day with relatives at their beautiful home overlooking the Hudson River.

As we sat by their pool, my hostess served canapes.

Small snacks before a meal are a staple of entertaining. Everyone gathered around the table, even the kids came out of the pool to see and enjoy.

I sometimes think this is the best part of a meal. A simple tray of vegetables, cut into sticks and a few tasty dips can be very enjoyable while the hosts are getting the main meal ready. But in planning my own dinner parties, I always have a harder time deciding on the appetizers than the meals themselves.

Some of my best hors d'oeuvres have been the easiest. People love to dip, and almost any flavor can be made into a dip. My family loves Mexican flavors. For a great appetizer, find a decorative bowl that's at least 2 inches deep and make layers of:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Refried beans
• Black beans
• Taco Sauce

This makes a layered dip that guests just love; and it is very easy to make. Serve it with corn chips. You do not need all these layers; use the ones that you like. I sometimes leave out the black beans, or the taco sauce. Still, it's always a hit.

An interesting variation on this recipe is to add a few crispy and a few soft taco shells as layers. You can then slice the contents pizza-style and serve up wedges of this Mexican Fiesta to your guests...

Delicioso!

Fran Valle

Fran Valle is partners with her sister, Sharon Grey and their friend Mary Meade in DinnerSmith; the first meal prep studio in Maplewood, New Jersey. Every day the three women dedicate themselves to bringing together fresh ingredients, cutting-edge recipes and the work space necessary for their friends and neighbors to quickly prepare as many delicious dinners as they need for that week or for that month. Visit http://www.dinnersmith.com for incredible meal ideas or, if you're in the neighborhood, just drop in and say "hi."