Servings: Serves a friendly gathering of 4-6 folks

– 1 large bag of your favorite tortilla chips
– 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or mix it up with a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby)
– 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 fresh, ripe tomato, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove the seeds if you like it less fiery)
– 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup of sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned will do)
– 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef (optional)
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste