Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I love this one out at parties. However, every recipe I've seen calls for frozen spinach. I don't care for any frozen veggies especially spinach. So here it goes Mandy's version with fresh spinach. Enjoy!

one bag fresh baby spinach (washed & chopped)
jar of artichoke hearts (in oil)
1/2 8oz bag of fresh shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/2 8 oz bag of fresh Swiss Cheese
1/4c. sour cream
3 cloves fresh garlic
1 small yellow onion


Saute in a large non-stick pan (that has a tight fitting lid) chopped garlic and diced onion with a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until the onions turn a bit golden. Add two tablespoons of water and the entire bag of spinach (I took the time to chop the spinach with a large knife before adding it...made a nice difference when dipping). Place the lid on and let steam down. May need to add another table spoon of water but don't over do it with the water. Once the spinach steams down add the sour cream and stir to coat the spinach. Add about 3 diced artichoke hearts stir well. Transfer the spinach mixture to a baking dish and add the cheese to the top wait until bubbly and a bit toasted on top. Serve with sliced french bread or crackers. Yum Yum and healthy too!

Check out: Spinach $3.50, Artichoke Hearts $2,50, Cheese $3.00 Onion $0.25, Garlic on hand, Olive Oil on hand, $10.00

Roasted Garlic & Fresh Baked Bread

Roasted Garlic & Fresh Baked Bread

Nothing is better than roasted garlic and fresh bread. This is so easy you will be amazed how your family or guest will be so impressed by this simple endulgement.

Take a whole head of garlic cut the pointy tips off leaving the skin on. Take a square of foil and put the garlic head in the center drizzle with olive oil. Crack black pepper over top. Put one finger on the top of the garlic head and fold the foil up to meet your finger. The foil creates a nice steam that escapes out the hole you made with your finger (does this make any sense??)

Put the garlic on a cookie sheet and put in the cold oven. Then turn the oven to 350 check it after about 10-15 minutes. The garlic should be easily pierced with a fork. You may need to cook another 10 minutes or so.

When is nice and soft you can smash it and serve just like that or add a dash of fine balsamic. Serve with bread. Awesome!!