Roasted Artichoke and Spinach Dip

This stuff is amazing! Yes, there are simpler recipes, but after you make this, you won't want to go back!! It is fabulous!

Roasted Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Ingredients:
2 (14 oz) cans of premium artichoke hearts
3 Tbsp olive oil
salt and ground black pepper
16 oz. baby spinach leaves
1 medium onion, minced
2 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1/4 c. mayonnaise
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 c. assorted cheeses, grated (I used pecorino, parmesan, asiago, mozzarella, and fontina)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp minced thyme leaves
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:
-Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line baking sheet with foil.
-Toss drained artichokes with 1 Tbsp oil, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground black pepper.
-Spread out over the baking sheet and roast, stirring occasionally. Until browned at the edges, about 25 minutes.
-Let the artichoke cool and chop coarse.
-Meanwhile heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat until just shimmering.
-Sauté spinach until wilted and drain thoroughly and transfer.
-Add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil to pan and add the onion.
-Cook for until softened, about 5 -7 mins.
-Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds..
-Transfer to bowl with spinach.
-Stir in mayo, cream cheese, cheeses, lemon juice, thyme, and cayenne until uniform.
-Add more cheese as needed! (oink! oink!)
-Gently fold in artichokes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
-Transfer mixture to large baking dish and sprinkle with parmesan.
(Here you can cover and refrigerate up to three days if needed)
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-Bake dip uncovered until hot throughout and top is golden brown, about 20-25 mins.
-Let cool at least 5 mins before serving.

Original recipe here.

Nachos

Yummy Nachos

topping:
1 lb. ground beef
pkg. of taco seasoning
1 can red kidney beans
1 cup water
1 cup (or so) of salsa
1 cup (or so) of shredded cheese (I used Monterey Jack)

Cook beef, drain. Put back in pan along with everything but the cheese. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat. Add cheese and stir until melted.

Spoon over tortilla chips and add all the yummy things you can find: lettuce, tomato, sour cream, more cheese, salsa....enjoy!

Lauren's Guacomole

4 avocados

3 tbsp. finely chopped onion

2 finely chopped garlic cloves

2 1/2 tbsp. chopped cilantro

lime juice

1 tsp. salt

Blend avocados and add other ingredients by hand.  Add lime per your preference!!