This is the debut of Banshee Blog's new Wednesday feature. Banshee Blog received a good selection of inquiries. This letter was selected because it is particularly timely.
Dear Banshee,
I've been invited to an hors d'oeuvres party with some new friends. I know the Banshee has a good down-home love for food. Can you think of a dish that's sure to impress?
~ No Martha in North Carolina
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Dear No Martha,
Thank you for this letter. Since Super Sunday is just around the corner, I'm sure there are many people out there looking for a new recipe that will tickle the tastebuds of party goers. Here are two dips that I love and have served successfully at parties and family gatherings.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip:
8 oz cream cheese
14 oz can of artichoke hearts
1/2 cup chopped spinach (I use frozen spinach. Make sure to drain it well)
1/4 mayonaise
1/4 cup shredded parmesean (not that powdery kind in the can)
1/4 cup romano or parmesean
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
dash of crushed red peppers
1/4 cup grated mozzarella
Drain and chop the artichoke hearts. Then mix them with all the remaining ingredients except the mozzerella. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper according to your own taste. Put the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered at 350 for 25 minutes. Variation: You can also put all this into a crock-pot. Heat it with the lid on until the dip is warm and the mozerella is melted. Serve with Italian toast. This can be purchased at any grocery store. It's usually in bags or boxes.
Mexi Dip:
If you don't have time to do any chopping or mixing or draining, you might try this crock-pot recipe. I originally learned this recipe from my friend and 3L roommate Bridget Blinn -- a Texan.
1 lb block of Velveeta
1 can Ro-Tel
Cut the block of Velveeta into cubes. Toss them into your crock-pot. Pour 1 can of Ro-Tel into the crock-pot (Ro-Tel can usually be purchased in the same aisle as crushed tomatoes). Heat the dip to the desired temperature, stirring occassionally. Serve with tortilla chips.
I hope this is helpful.
~ Wild Banshee
If there is a question burning in your mind, please Ask Banshee.
