Recipe Box

Molded Mexicali Dip

Tools:

Wilton 10 in. Ring Mold Pan

Cheese Layer

Ingredients:

2 packages unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 (1.25 oz.) package dry taco seasoning mix

Avocado Layer

Tools:

Spray Wilton 10 in. Ring Mold Pan with vegetable pan spray.

Ingredients:

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups cold water, divided
1/3 cup thick and chunky picante sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons grated onion
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cups mashed ripe avocado (about 4 large)

Prepare cheese layer: Add unflavored gelatin to lemon juice, let stand 2-5 minutes to soften. Heat just until clear. Set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and taco seasoning. Mix well. Add gelatin mixture and blend. Pour into prepared mold and refrigerate while making avocado layer.

Prepare avocado layer: Add gelatin to 1/2 cup cold water, let stand 2-5 minutes to soften, heat until clear, set aside. Mix remaining ingredients except avocado until smooth. Add avocado as soon as mashed to prevent discoloring. Mix. Add gelatin mixture, mix. Pour over cream cheese layer in pan. Refrigerate 4 hours until set or overnight. To unmold, run thin bladed knife around outside and inside of ring. Dip in hot water 3-4 seconds and unmold. Serve with salsa in center.

This recipe molds well in any of Wilton's shaped pans. Try a Football or Horseshoe for different occasions.

YIELD: Makes 25 appetizer size servings.

Salsa

Ingredients:

3 cans (28 oz.) Italian tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
2 cans (4 oz.) chopped, drained green chilies
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (approximately 1 cup chopped)
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

To Make Salsa
Combine ingredients and chill overnight. Will keep covered in refrigerator one week.

YIELD: Makes approximately 5 cups.