7 Layer Dip

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 15 oz can refried beans

1 cup taco sauce (don't use salsa, it's too runny)

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 4 oz can black olives, drained

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup chopped, seeded tomato

1 box Ritz Crackers

Spread the cream cheese in a layer on a large platter with a rubber spatula.  (If you forgot to soften the cream cheese, don't worry, cut it into chunks on a microwave safe platter and microwave at 50% power for 30 second intervals until you are able to spread the cheese smoothly.)  Next spread the refried beans in a layer on top the cream cheese.  Do the same with the taco sauce.  Sprinkle the cheese on the first three layers, and then the olives, onions, and tomatoes.  Last, make a ring around the outside of the platter with the Ritz Crackers.  Serve immediately, or put in the fridge until party time.

People often ask why I use Ritz Crackers instead of corn chips.  The first reason is that it looks cool with the ring of Ritz around the outside.  The second is that chips usually break when you're trying to scoop up the dip, but crackers don't.