Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Spinach Artichoke Dip


A year ago this month my dear friend Carla Larson took her own life, having lost a long battle with depression and bipolar disorder. Carla was a talented musician, artist, lyricist and writer.

As far as I can remember, she is the only person ever to have written me a poem:


Untitled (1999)

you are my muffin
banana-chocolate chip
you are my sourdough
vegan spinach dip
you are my cashew
organic tasty treat
you are my ginger beer
so spicy and sweet

Interestingly, the poem portends my now blossomed passion for food. This week I honor Carla's memory with a recipe for spinach dip. This version can be made vegan (as in the poem) or dairy-rich.


Serves 20

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic
1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed in fridge
14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 lb cream cheese at room temperature
2 lbs sour cream
1 cup grated (not powdered) Parmesan cheese (optional)
garlic salt, salt, cayenne and red chili powder to taste

Directions
1. Melt butter in saucepan. Saute garlic for 2 minutes, then add spinach and artichoke hearts. Saute for 2 more minutes.
2. Add cream cheese and sour cream and mix well. Cook for 7-10 minutes on medium heat.
3. Stir in Parmesan and salts/chilis to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes more.
4. Serve warm with tortilla chips or deep fried pita bread.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

HI Aly,

Thanks for the weekly recipes!! Now I just have to get around to making something!!

Love,
S

Cielia said...

You really are sweet Aly! And spicy. Thanks for the wonderful memories of Carla interjected into my day; I will have to make your vegan spinach dip and think of you both fondly. xoxo Silly

bha said...

nice recipe Aly. Dips are my favs.

Anonymous said...

Sorry about your friend, thanks for this recipe. xo

cheesewithaspoon said...

What a wonderful way to remember someone! The best, if you ask me.

Anonymous said...

Hi Aly!
I am really enjoying your blog! Granted I have yet to get off my tush and make one of the gorgeous recipes. But I consider it every time I see your weekly email delivery.

I don't know how you find the time to do it all! I feel like days go
by at the speed of light. Anyway, just wanted to say bonjour. Hope
all's well with you!
Bises, g.

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh, aly, it is becoming harder and harder for me to read your treat a week recipes while i'm over here b/c i am so craving american snacks. chinese food is inexpensive and delicious here but oh, what i would give for some spinach artichoke dip or maple nut fudge!