This is a simple, cheap dip that I thought up years ago to bring to a late-night D&D session. It worked so well that I've made it for most of the parties and D&D games I've gone to since - and it's always the first thing to go.

Step 1: Assemble Your Soldiers

The ingredients you'll need are:

1 can refried beans
1/2 small can diced/sliced green chili peppers
1 heaping tablespoon salsa
1 heaping tablespoon sour cream
Hot sauce
Chili powder
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 pinch secret ingredient - don't worry, chances are you've got this one somewhere

Step 2: Mix the Beans and Cheese Together

Open up the can of beans and empty into a microwave-safe container. Add as much cheese as you like - a small handful is enough for me, you may want to add more or less depending on how strongly flavored your cheese is. Mix together and microwave, stirring occasionally to make sure the cheese is melting and the beans are heating evenly. When the cheese is mostly melted, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Add Your Other Ingredients

Add your sour cream, salsa, green chilies, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce to the warm beans. Stir until mixed.

Step 4: The Secret Ingredient Revealed!

Cinnamon!?

Yup, cinnamon. Add just a pinch, then mix it up and try the dip. Somehow it seems to tie all the other flavors together. You should just about be able to taste it, but not well enough to tell what it is. keep your friends guessing :-). Now that you've tried it, add more chili powder, green peppers, and hot sauce until you get the flavor you want. Or if you really want to mess with your friends, add green food coloring.

Step 5: Finished!

You're done! Refrigerate until you're ready to serve, it should keep for about a week before it starts getting "extra flavor". It'll harden up a little bit as it chills, but you should still be able to scoop it easily with a good strong chip.

Step 6: The Wounded

But what to do with the half-empty can of chili peppers, the open bag of cheese, and the salsa and sour cream?

Make nachos!

Just remember, don't cook your sour cream! Serve it on the side.