Artichoke Dip

This is REAL artichoke dip.  No spinach, no stringy mozzarella, just the bare minimum, real deal, 100% hot artichoke dip.  In fact, the first time I ever saw artichoke dip on a bar menu I was so excited, and ordered it, not knowing it wouldn't be anything like mine!  I didn't know then, but I know better now.  This is a staple in my house in the winter months, and has always been a family favorite.  I think it's even better the next day, spread on slices of bread and toasted under the broiler.

Artichoke Dip

Drain and chop 1 can of artichoke hearts.  Stir into:
1 cup parmesan cheese (the Kraft kind is fine, it's what I use all the time, my mom uses the shredded kind that comes in the little plastic tub)
1/2 cup mayo, vegan mayo works perfectly!
1/2 cup yogurt
(You can use one whole cup of mayo or vegan mayo, but I have found that the yogurt makes it a little less sinful, and adds a nice flavor.)

Stir it all together until everything is well blended.  Put into a glass pie plate, or similar small baking dish, and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.  Let sit a few minutes before serving.  Can be made ahead of time and reheated the next day.  If you are making this for a party, one recipe is never enough.  This stuff is so yum.

Serve with crackers or good crusty bread slices.
I have never added spinach to this recipe, but those days are numbered.  I will update this recipe when it happens.  I have added a container of fresh crab meat to the recipe before, it was beyond amazing.  It made for a perfect for a Christmas Eve snack with an ice cold beer!

Enjoy!

French Onion Soup

I never knew how easy French Onion Soup was to make, and the fact that it can be vegetarian made it even better!  I taught my best friend how to make this soup, and once a year, she thanks me for it!


French Onion Soup

Peel and slice about 5 cups of onions.  I never measure anyway, I just go for it.
Cook onions in about 3 Tbs. vegetable oil until just starting to brown.
Add about 7 cups of water, a pinch of tarragon, 1/2 tsp. salt and about 1/4 cup good quality soy sauce/tamari.
Add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes if you have them.
Stir everything well,
Bring to a boil, then simmer until ready to serve.

I love onion soup with bread and cheese, but I don't like big globs of melted cheese swimming in my soup broth.  It's hard to chew, and I'm afraid of choking on it as well!  I serve my onion soup with toasted sourdough with a slice of cheese melted on the toast.  It's much better this way for me.  See whatyou think!  You can always go the traditional route, and top witha slice of bread, cheese, and broil it until wickedly good and bubbly!