Some dips require special treatment: Warming before serving, or keeping cool. See the second recipe at the bottom of this page for an easy, more classic-style "warm" dip recipe. 

Meanwhile, the first recipe below keeps well at room temperature for hours, and uses simple ingredients that are easy to have on hand; a nice appetizer can be whipped up in minutes. It also makes a great sandwich spread! Makes almost a quart; enough to serve 15 or so. 

First Recipe: Easy Artichoke Spread 

Ingredients:     

• 1 lb. cheddar cheese, room temperature     
  
• 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, packed in water, drained (frozen or marinated can be substituted)     
  
• 1/4 c. Italian dressing (half that if using marinated artichokes)     
  
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise  
  

Cut into chunks and process in food processor, or blender, into fine pieces: > 1 lb. cheddar cheese  Add to processor and blend until smooth: > 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained (or substitute frozen, or marinated) 

Add remaining ingredients, mix well: > 1/4 c. Italian dressing (use half that if using marinated artichokes) > 1/2 c. mayonnaise 

Serve the dip at room temperature, with chunks of bread, or veggies. 


Second Recipe: Easy Warm Artichoke Dip 

Ingredients:     

• 1 (14 oz) canned or frozen artichoke hearts or bottoms, drained and chopped    
  
• 1 (6 oz) can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped    
  
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne    
  
• 1/2 TBS. fresh, chopped garlic    
  
• OPTIONAL: chopped green chili peppers or jalapenos    
  
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise    
  
• 1/2 cup sour cream    
  
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature    
  
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese    
  
• 1- (6 oz.) jar marinated artichokes    
  
• Chopped parsley or green onion for garnish    
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place in food processor or blender until smooth: > 14 oz. canned or frozen artichokes > 1/4 tsp. cayenne > 1/2 TBS. garlic > (optional: chiles or jalapenos)

Add to processor and "pulse" just until incorporated: > 8 oz. cream cheese Add and "pulse" again, until mixed (or hand-mix all ingredients in, in big bowl): > 1/2 c. mayonnaise > 1/2 c. sour cream > 1 c. Parmesan Last, blend in lightly: > 6 oz. jar marinated artichokes (drained)

When blended, put mixture into a pie dish or 8" square pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chopped green onion and serve.

Soul Food

Matthew 6:31-33 (NIRV):

"So don't worry. Don't say, 'What will we eat?' Or, 'What will we drink?' Or, 'What will we wear?'  People who are ungodly run after all of those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them. But put God's kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you."