The artichoke is a Mediterranean vegetable. The main producers of artichokes are Spain, Italy, and France. Virtually all of the United States of America’s artichoke crop is grown in California and is of a variety named Green Globe. California has even made a bureaucratic organization by the name of the California Artichoke Advisory Board. The board has been in operation since 1960 and oversees all aspects of the growing and marketing of the artichoke here in the United States. Considering that artichokes contribute approximately fifty million(1) to the economy of the state I’m sure the board stays busy with the day to day handling of the important business of artichoke marketing. A small town in California named Castroville claims to be ” The Artichoke Capital of the World ” and has a two day festival in May to celebrate their major crop. Artichokes have been used as a herbal remedy. Parts of the plant contain an ingredient that seems to increase the production of bile. In Vietnam a commercial tea is sold that is made from artichokes.
Making a really good artichoke spinach dip at home is a simple and easy task. It will be very easy for you to create your own family tradition from the basic example listed below.
Ingredients:
12 ounces of fresh artichoke hearts. Try and get a no name brand as they are the same quality as any brand name will be. Better yet, buy fresh artichokes and process them to get your artichoke hearts. This will take more time and effort but will produce a superior dip as well. Never pay for a name when you can be paying for more food when making a really good artichoke spinach dip.
12 ounce package of cream cheese. I always use plain cream cheese so I can blend other flavors as I wish when making a really good artichoke spinach dip.
4 ounces of Parmesan cheese. This different cheese added to the above will add a contrast of flavors to your really good artichoke spinach dip.
Put your artichoke hearts and spinach in a cooking pot and cook on medium low for five to ten minutes or until the artichoke hearts are tender. Drain the artichoke hearts and spinach in your drainer. While the artichoke hearts and spinach are draining, place your cream cheese in the pot and heat until the cheese is hot. Add the artichoke hearts and spinach to the cream cheese and stir for a couple seconds for your really good artichoke spinach dip. Then add your garlic, cayenne and black peppers and stir thoroughly. Pour mixture into the bowl you intend to serve your really good artichoke spinach dip and serve while still hot.
Really good artichoke spinach dip is best served with crackers or toasted bread sticks while hot. It makes a excellent party dip or luncheon appetizer.
