Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Spinach & Artichoke Dip From Olive Garden

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

2 fresh artichokes
1 lemon, juice squeezed
1 tsp salt
OR
1 14-oz can artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
1 lb cream cheese, room temperature
8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, sifted
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 Tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
5 green onions, chopped
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
1 6-oz pack fresh spinach, chopped
8 slices crusty Italian bread
Extra virgin olive oil (to drizzle)
4 fresh artichokes
2 lemon, juice squeezed
2 tsp Salt

Procedures:

Preheat oven to 325ºF. PREPARATION WITH FRESH ARTICHOKES
BOIL artichokes in 3 quarts water with 1 tsp salt and lemon juice.
COOL artichokes. Clean, peel, remove center “choke” and slice artichoke.
FOLLOW Dip Preparation steps below using fresh artichokes.DIP PREPARATION
MIX all ingredients in a large bowl, except bread and extra virgin olive oil.
COAT a large non-stick baking pan with pan spray; fill pan with mixture. Bake at 325ºF for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and center is hot.
DRIZZLE both sides of bread with extra virgin olive oil. Grill bread on both sides.
SPRINKLE top of heated dip with parmesan cheese.
Serve hot with grilled bread.

Grande Beef Nachos

From the book: 125 best Food Processor Recipes:

Serves 6

1 bag Tortilla chips
8oz Chedder cheese, cut into chuncks
8zo Monterey Jack cheese, cut into chunks
1 onion cut into quarters
1 can pinto or black beans, drained & rinsed
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp dried onion flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp ground oregano
8oz lean ground beef
1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:

1. On a microwave-safe platter, place chips in a single layer. Set aside.

2. In work bowl (food processor) fitted with shredding blade, shred Cheddar & Monetary Jack cheese. Transfer to a bowl & set aside.

3. Replace shredding blade with metal blade. With the motor running, drop onion through feed tube & process until finely chopped. Into the work bowl, add beans, chili powder, paprika, salt, onion flakes, cayenne pepper, onion powder & oregano & process until smooth, 2-3 minutes.

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, 10-15 minutes. Drain off fat. Add bean mixture & cook, stirring, until hot.

5. Spoon beef mixture over chips. Sprinkle cheese mixture over top. Microwave for 20 seconds or until cheese is bubbling. Garnish with sour cream.

TIP: Do not place the hot meat mixture over the corn chips until you are ready to microwave. It will make them soggy.