TOASTADA FIESTA

RECIPES THAT TAKE THE CAKE, MAKE THE GRADE AND GIVE YOU THE FEELING THAT YOU’RE MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

Hola! Are you ready for Mexican feast? Well, here is one that you can make at the drop of a sombrero and everyone will think they've died and gone to Guadalajara. This is so easy to make it's almost embarrassing, but don't apologize. This way everyone will think you've spent hours putting the whole thing together when in reality it takes about 20 minutes max. The nice thing is that you can serve it as an entree with some rice and tortilla chips on the side or as an appetizer or for just plain fun. Either way, it will go over with everyone and the reason is because it offers lots of choices. You can be as creative as you want or have time to be. Just keep the bowls filled up and it will be the hit of the day. The secret here is in the beans. They aren't just any ordinary beans, but are seasoned with added lime juice and it makes all the difference. Here's how you do it:

1 package of round tostada shells (precooked)

1 large can of refried beans (I use the Rosarita brand)

2 tsp. cumin

1 tbsp. dried cilantro leaves

1 tsp. chili powder

2 fresh limes, juiced

1 tsp. salt

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1/2 head of lettuce, finely chopped

1 C. sour cream

1/2 C. sliced ripe olives

1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded

1+ 1/2 C. shredded cheese

Optional: 2 mashed ripe avacados with 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1. Heat the refried beans in a saucepan on the stove. Add the seasonings, salt and lime juice. Stir well and set aside.

2. Chop up the lettuce and tomatoes. Mash the avocados and add lemon juice (if desired, although I do recommend adding them. They make a huge difference.)

3. Put the tostada shells in the center of a large serving plate or Lazy Susan. Surround them with bowls filled with the sour cream, refried beans, grated cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, chicken and avocados. (I didn't have room for the avocados and olives on my Lazy Susan so they were sitting on the side. )

4. Then just start stacking. You might want to melt the cheese on the tostada shells using the microwave before you put on anything else. You don't have to, though. Then add the refried beans, the chicken, the sour cream, the lettuce, tomatoes, olives, avocados and there you have it!

Serves 4-8 depending on how many they eat. Enjoy!