HOT SPINACH and ARTICHOKE DIP

Party season is coming up and if you are like me, you are starting to surf the Internet for that "next new and exciting" appetizer or party snack recipe. I keep all of those "potential recipes" in a folder on my desk and once in a while I look through it and say to myself..."what was I thinking?!?"  So much for late night Internet surfing I guess!!

Today's post is one of those traditional "never fail" recipes that seems to please everyone. I make it with low fat ingredients but you can't tell it. This tasty dip is hot and creamy (it stays hot for a while which is nice)and very easy to make.


8 ounce cream cheese (low fat ok)
1/4 cup sour cream (low fat ok)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, not powdered)
1/4 cup Romano cheese (grated)
2 cloves garlic minced (I used roasted from jar)
1/2 teaspoon dry basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
(1) 14 oz. can artichoke hearts (rinsed)
1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped finely)
10 ounces fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Plunge fresh spinach into boiling water for about 30 seconds, remove and put into large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and squeeze dry and roughly chop.

Drain the artichokes and rinse under cold running water, then chop into small pieces.

Mix everything together and place in a (lightly greased) small oven proof dish. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes. Serve with pita chips or any sturdy cracker.

NOTE: This can also be baked in a hollowed out bread bowl instead of a baking dish.