“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
I know its been a little while since I shared one of our favorite “healthier versions of favorite recipes” from my mission to
surrender in the kitchen…so I thought today would be a good day to share one of our very favorite dips that can be served as a snack for a party or a light, but fun, easy meal.
I know that folks are getting ready for wonderful Autumn gatherings with family and friends. With this in mind, I decided to share one of our family’s very favorite “festive” meal or snack for gatherings, family movie or game nights. Whether it’s with your own family at home or for a potluck party…this Chili Layer Dip will be a hit! Its filling, tasty, and much better for you than some of the other snack foods or out there!
**Now I want you to keep in mind…that this is one must be eaten in moderation in order to be OK for someone with Diabetes!! My husband (who lives with Type 2 Diabetes– meds & diet & exercise controlled), eats it using Multi-grain tortilla chips to help with the carbs a little bit. But he loves it!!! As long as he doesn’t overdo it is fine. Please use your own judgement and diet requirements if you are Diabetic.**
This is my newest version of the traditional 7 layer dip with more vegetables and better proteins added to it.
Here are the ingredients to get you started…
Mary Joy’s Fall Chili Layer Party (feeds five as a meal and many more as a snack)
1 can fat-free refried beans
3/4 cup your favorite salsa (approximately)
16 oz Light or no fat sour cream
1 can Light red Kidney beans (drained)
1 lb. Ground turkey
1 small Green pepper
1 small Onion
2-3 med Tomatoes
1/4-1/2 Head of lettuce
1 cup Finely shredded low-fat Mexican cheese mixture (or your favorite cheese)
1 can Black Olives
to taste Chili powder, Paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves Garlic
And the last and most important ingredient…
Prayer– this is a key ingredient!!! While cooking for my family I like to take that time to pray for each of them…that the food I am preparing will give them the energy and strength they need to be healthy and happy and get the things done they need done. I pray that I will remember that the work I am doing to prepare this meal is an important ministry that God has given me as my husband’s help-meet and the mother of our children and hostess to our guests. I pray for peace at our dinner table and in our home. Don’t skip this step! It’s my secret ingredient! 
Here’s how I put it together…
Step 1– Combine your can of fat-free refried beans and salsa in a bowl. Mix throughly!!! Then use a rubber spatula and spread the bean mixture in a thin layer in the bottom of the dish you are using. I like using my pretty baking pan from Home and Garden Party but an 11 x 13 pan would work just fine. It needs to have sides so cookie sheets are not a good idea for this one!!
Step 2— Use a clean rubber spatula to spread a thin layer of the sour cream over the refried beans. Once you have completed this step…I suggest that you cover it and put it in the refrigerator to chill while you complete the next step. I will hold up better under the chili if it is chilled first.
Step 3— Chop your onion and green peppers into chunks and saute in olive oil…add your minced garlic to this mixture!
Step 4— Add your thawed ground turkey to the vegetable mixture to brown. Once it has browned…add the can of kidney beans and the chili seasoning, Paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the mixture and then simmer until it has a chance to thicken a little bit.
Step 5—Spoon chili mixture onto on top of the sour cream layer and carefully spread it out with a rubber spatula. (can’t believe I forgot to take a picture of this step!!!
LOL…sorry about that!)
Step 6— Chop up the lettuce into fine pieces. Then chop up your tomatoes. Sprinkle lettuce over the chili with your fingers. Then sprinkle the tomatoes over the lettuce. Oooooo yeah!!! Its looking SOOO yummy!!!! Now hold on! We are almost done!!! LOL
Step 7— Now its time to sprinkle a light layer of finely shredded cheese over the tomatoes.
Now its time for the finishing touch!!!
Step 8– The final step! Drain black olive slices and sprinkle over the shredded cheese for that perfect flavorful finishing touch!
Serve with your favorite multi-grain tortilla chips or on whole wheat crackers or for those who don’t have to worry about diet restrictions as much…try it with Corn Chip Scoop Chips. It can also be eaten as a yummy filling in a burrito bar using our favorite whole wheat tortillas…which I promise to share with you very soon!! Just use your creativity!!!
Now…I would really LOVE to hear about some of your healthy snacks! I need all the ideas I can get!! So what do you enjoy serving and eating at your Autumn gatherings, bonfires, hay rides, movie or game nights that has a healthy twist (non-alcoholic recipes only please girls!! LOL)
I would love to hear your favorite recipes in the comment section!!! I am serious!!!! Share, share, share!!! I can’t wait to see your recipes!!!! Let’s all support each other in staying healthy while we have fun with friends and family!
I LOVE your comments!!! They always make my day and I promise to respond to each and every one within 48 hours.
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Dancing at the foot of the Cross with my family,
Mrs. Mary Joy Pershing
Gathering with:
Tasty Tuesdays at Beauty and Bedlam
Tasty Tuesdays at Naptime Creations
Tempt my Tummy at Blessed with Grace
Mangia Mondays at Shine your Light
Homemaking Link-up at Raising Homemakers
