How to Make Artichoke dip

Artichoke dip is the universal party favorite. Here is my lighter take on it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 can artichoke hearts, quartered with liquid
• blender
• salt
• pepper
• neufchatel cheese (1 package)
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• chili powder
• 1/2 cup low fat mayo (nalley brand is best)
• 1/2 cup low fat parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup low fat pepper jack cheese
• 1/4 cup low fat milk
• medium sauce pan

1. Pour the can of artichoke hearts, with liquid, into the blender. Blend until no large lumps are left. If you need to add more liquid, just use water. Add it 1 tsp at a time.

2. Pour the artichoke hearts into the medium sauce pan. Add the chopped garlic, milk, neufchatel cheese, mayo, 4 turns of fresh black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt, both cheeses and a couple dashes of chili powder.

3. Mash the neufchatel cheese into the artichoke hearts, breaking it up into smaller chunks. Turn the stove on to medium heat.

4. Stir the dip over medium heat until all of the cheeses are melted and the ingredients are well combined. Let it cook for about 5 minutes longer (scraping the bottom) to make sure the garlic is well done. Let it sit until slightly cooled (this will allow the flavors to develop). Serve warm with pita chips.

Tips & Warnings

• Spice it up! Add some canned jalapeno slices to give it a bit of zip. This is great with pretty much any cracker. You can also let it cool until it is thick and spread it on bread.

[rhianna24]

on 4/10/2009 This was really good too!