Just Getting Settled In

[NittyB]

Hello Everyone :boldblue:

I joined the other day and am just figuring out how to get around this site. Love the chat about Idol. Just got my initial welcome message asking me to introduce myself here. So, here I go!

Last year was the first time for me to watch American Idol and now I am hooked. This season has some great talent and enjoy each weekly performance. These blogs are great for sharing thoughts and ideas with other fans. Just joined another one that has a good group to chat with. It seems like AI fans are the best!

Outside of Idol, I enjoy cooking with artichokes - my passion! And also enjoy the hobby of writing Chinese calligraphy. I need some work in this area but enjoy the relaxation that comes with it.

Looking forward to the chats :)

[SlighDawg]

Cooking with artichokes... that is a nice avocation. Do you have any good beginner recipes without Hollandaise sauce?

[NittyB]

Although I would prefer to talk about Idol on this site, I will share my favorite Artichoke recipe. It's the simplest too.

Start with fresh artichokes and cut off the stem. In a large pot of boiling water (stock pot is best), place the artichokes so the stem side is up and tip is completely submerged. Place something heavy on top of the artichokes to keep them in this orientation.

Boil on a low setting so the water doesn't boil over. I typically go for about 20 minutes or so.

Serve with melted butter or olive oil.

Simple method, but they come out the most tender.

:)

[TaylorHicksRocks]

Although I would prefer to talk about Idol on this site, I will share my favorite Artichoke recipe. It's the simplest too.

Start with fresh artichokes and cut off the stem. In a large pot of boiling water (stock pot is best), place the artichokes so the stem side is up and tip is completely submerged. Place something heavy on top of the artichokes to keep them in this orientation.

Boil on a low setting so the water doesn't boil over. I typically go for about 20 minutes or so.

Serve with melted butter or olive oil.

Simple method, but they come out the most tender.

:)

My husband loved artichokes with mayonnaise that was first introduction to artichokes. Oh and let me say welcome to the forum...

[SlighDawg]

Thank you! I may have to try some now.

[yayamiddlesister]

WELCOME!

What about a spinach/artichoke dip recipe? Got one?

[NittyB]

I am pleasantly surprised by the interest in artichokes in this forum. I am a member of the business discount stores such as CostCo or BJs. They have large size jars of marinated artichokes that do well with pasta or making artichoke-spinach dips. And, the price seems to be the best compared to my local supermarket.

Here is my favorite Artichoke-Spinach dip that I make in my mini crockpot for gatherings with special friends. I used to measure the amounts when I first started making it, but now I just estimate them by eye and it always works out

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach

16 oz. can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (use fresh leftover artichoke hearts if any survived the night before!) If you want more artichokes, add more!

1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

1-1/2 cups shredded Havarti cheese (and/or blend with smoked mozarella cheeze if you can find it for an interesting flavor combo)

[Optional spices if you want to add some extra layers of flavor]
1/8 tsp. 7-spice peppers (Shichimi in Asian food stores)
1 tsp. wasabi powder or tube wasabi


Putting It Together:

Thaw out the spinach and drain the liquid. Sometimes I cook lots of baby spinach and let it cool too. This gives it a fresher taste. Remove all of the water!

Chop up the spinach and the combine all of ingredients in a 1-3 quart slow cooker.

Place cover on crockpot and cook on low setting for 2-3 hours.

I usually serve with a whole grain bread cut up or some hearty crackers. It works well with Italian/French bread sliced thin and toasted. The crockpot keeps the dip warm and gooey throughout the party so it always stays in great condition.

It is amazing.


When I want to make a Spinach dip quick, I use a product from TastefullySimple (www.tastefullysimple.com) called "Spinach and Herb mix". It has dehydrated spices and spinach, and makes an awesome sour cream based dip that I serve with freshly cooked artichoke hearts to use as the 'dippers'. Everyone loves this unique way to enjoy artichokes.

TastefullySimple also have a chipotle spice mix that can be used to make an artichoke chipotle dip. Smokey spicy flavors that are awesome.

I hope you try one of these in the future. The crockpot dip is awesome and is great for a special occasion.

Enjoy! :boldblue:

[TaylorHicksRocks]

I will try your recipe the next time I have guests over it sounds yummy!!