Tuesday, December 21, 2010

It's that time of year

for delicious, warm things.  Here's a favorite of mine.  Take it when you're asked to bring an appetizer, or serve it to your guests.  I think credit goes to Williams-Sonoma--

Preheat oven to 325

In  your blender or food processor whiz together: 8 oz drained, cooked artichoke hearts  (frozen or canned is fine, skip the marinated ones), 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise (are you still with me?) 8 oz cream cheese, 2 cloves garlice, 2 jalapeno peppers (I always skip those, if I don't know the crowd's spice level).  Place into a quiche or pie dish.  Bake 30-40 minutes until lightly browned on top.

Let rest 5-10 minutes, then set it down in front of your  guests, with pita chips or crackers, or calorie-mitigating crudites.  Trust it to disappear quickly, and your once dignified guests will arm wrestle over the last bite.

8 comments:

  1. Everything on here is on my list of favorite things. It must be divine.

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  2. Why thank you very much, I think I'll try that.

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  3. You know, I'm always so damn freaked out when I have to bring food. It's one thing when they say, "bring something." I can bring a bottle of wine. But when they say, "bring a salad," or "bring an appetizer," I just panic. Thanks, Desiree.

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  4. P: From what I've observed, people are so happy to see you, it matters not what you bring (or, it's simply an added bonus!)Glad to lighten the burden of unrealizable expectations. M: You and me, kid.

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  5. I think I'll go to the horrible Ralph's and get that Brandy you talked about. The rain will never stop. I just know it.

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  6. AH: Not sure you'll find the brand I recommend there. WHY do we get the horrible Ralphs? Why?

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  7. I got a variation of this recipe from a friend's mother back when I was first married and took it to Christmas Eve at my cousin's. For years - nay, decades - I was the "artichoke dip" person for every family gathering.

    I still make it, though infrequently, and it's always delicious. My recipe calls for everything to be pureed before baking.

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