Cheesy, Oozy, Easy Vegan Guacamole and Bean Dip

This vegan guacamole and bean dip is quick, easy, and delicious — the perfect thing to bring to a party. Make it in a glass dish to display all the pretty layers. Great for meat-eating friends.

Serves 8.
Ingredients:

 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans3 large avocados3 tablespoons fresh lime juice2 (8-ounce) containers nondairy sour cream (or you can make your own cashew sour cream*)1 packet taco seasoning (I use Bearitos, but if you are avoiding all white sugar, make your own mix with chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, hot paprika or cayenne, and salt)1/2 cup diced mild green chiles, drained1/2 cup sliced black olives, or more if you like 5 tomatoes, chopped 2 cups shredded vegan Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spread a layer of refried beans in the bottom of an 8-inch by 8-inch quart glass baking dish.
Pit and peel the avocados, and place in a bowl. Mash the avocados together with the lime juice, and spread on top of the refried beans.
Stir together the sour cream (or cashew sour cream*) and taco seasoning, and spread over the avocado.
Sprinkle the chiles over the sour cream, and top with a layer of black olives.
Add the tomatoes, and sprinkle with the cheese.
Heat the dip for 15-30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is a bit melted.
Serve warm or at room temperature!

*if you prefer making your own cashew sour cream: 
1.5 cup cashews
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt to taste
Soak the cashews overnight in a bowl filled with water (ideally for 8 hours, or you can quick-soak for an hour in boiling water). Rinse and drain.
After soaking, blend the cashews at high speed with the remaining ingredients in a blender.  You may want to pause and scrape the cream down as you go, to make sure you get it all mixing. Add a little water when you need (albeit very little!)
Place the cream in a container and pop it into the fridge. This makes 2 cups and will keep in the fridge for 1 week!