4th of July Treats

July 2nd we went out to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. Followed by a fireworks show. July 3rd we went to a cook out, I brought my Stovetop Mac & Cheese. July 4th we went to another cook out / party. I brought taco dip. I call this recipe "Melissa's Bean Dip" b/c I got it from my wonderful friend Melissa. This is only my second time making it, but it's always a hit. I should have used a deeper tray, b/c the dip ended up more stuffed then I'd planned. I used one of those throw away thin metal ones w/ a plastic top. I layered:

• uncooked refried beans
• 1 pkg sour cream mixed w/ 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 block cheese
• lettuce
• 1 can diced tomatoes & peppers
• 1 can sliced olives

Served w/ tortilla chips. Yum Yum Yum.

Since this is a blog about my trials & tribulations in the kitchen, I'll touch lightly on the fact that the Raspberry White Chocolate Bars I attempted to make for the cook out did not turn out. The dough was supposed to be "crumb like" and was cake like. I baked it anyway, but it did not have a good flavor. I followed the directions exactly. I bet I know what went wrong. I used margarine spread instead of butter like the recipe called for. I should have know better, but usually the recipe will specifically say real butter or no substitution. Needless to say I was quite upset.