Hot Artichoke Dip

Back before the holidays, I tasted the most delicious Hot Artichoke Dip that I had ever tasted. I'm embarrassed to say that I started off with a small sampling with crackers, but then returned for a more generous portion which I ended up eating with a fork. Needless to say, I asked the hostess for the recipe, which she generously shared, God bless her!

Like so many great recipes that I've gathered over the years, after I got it, I tucked it away and promptly forgot about it. Well, I pulled it out on two occasions recently, and both times it was a huge hit. Best part of all is that it literally takes about 3 minutes to prepare -- and one batch makes a very generous portion.

I figured with Superbowl XLIV just around the corner, now was the perfect time to share it. However I'll forewarn you though -- if you're watching your calories or fat intake, you may want to avoid it -- it's super rich.

You'll Need

• 1 14oz. can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated or shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (this dip is better if you a high quality cheese like Parmesan Reggiano)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I’ve used light and regular, and it is much richer tasting with regular mayo)
• a sprinkle of garlic salt

Step By Step

1. Mix all ingredients together
2. Place in fairly shallow baking dish (8 x 4 loaf dish, or a pie plate works well)
3. Bake for 30 minutes at 350.
4. Serve warm with crackers or crusty baguette slices.

ENJOY!!

I'm In

First and foremost -- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I hope everyone has started off 2010 in whatever way you most enjoy. My day has been quiet -- which is just what I needed after a very busy couple of weeks. I've been trying to get caught up with visiting everyone who stopped by on Monday -- and slowly but surely, I'm making my way through the comments. The problem is, it's New Year's Day -- and everyone has posted such great stories, so no visit is a short one. I'm pouring over dozens of "Reflections on 2009" and "Resolutions for 2010." It's been very inspirational.

I'm not typically one to write new year's resolutions -- at least not on new year's day. I usually spend the first few weeks of the year in reflection, and then by the middle of the month I come up with goals and a game plan for the year. But with all of the inspiration that has been coming at me today, I am ready to make at least one commitment for the new year.

Thanks to Dorothy at Fuzzykoala's Caketastic Adventures, I am jumping on board the Ten in 2010 Challenge (and don't tell her, but I'm even stealing borrowing most of her goals and making them my own!!).

According to the Challenge creator, Lori, (AKA: RecipeGirl), the Ten in 10: Ten Weeks to Healthy in 2010 Challenge is not so much about making resolutions as it is about challenging yourself to adopt a healthier lifestyle. That's not something I need to reflect on -- I just need to do it.

So here are my commitments for this challenge:
+ Drink more water
+ Eat more fruits and veggies
+ Eat fewer sweets (so long Christmas Cookies)
+ Get more sleep
+ Walk or hit the gym 3-4 times each week

Ten Weeks -- I can totally do this! And come spring I will feel so much better about myself! If you're interested in getting involved, just visit Recipe Girl's site (link is above) to sign up.

Thanks Lori & Dorothy for the inspiration! Here's to a healthy us in 2010!!

Happy New Year!