Saturday, January 1, 2011

I Dip, You Dip, We Dip


Dips are a great way to celebrate. They're fatty and full of calories. They pair nicely with crunchy, also fatty, fried dipping devices. That's why this Artichoke Dip was apart of last night's subdued New Year's celebration.

I'm not much for going out on New Years. One, it's too cold and two, to many drunk maniacs out. I prefer to live and celebrate with a bunch of snacks, family and a board game or three.

After a truly lame attempt at Monopoly, which included me labeling my father as the "mean banker" (which he really wasn't, just gloating over his ridiculously high rents that put me out of the game and into bankruptcy) and the Hubs also finding ways to make Mom and me feel like total non-monopolists...is that a word?, I turned in all I had an dug out an old issue of Food and Wine to graze over until they were done.

We then moved on to Bingo, which only made us feel like dinner was going to be at 4 o'clock and bedtime at 7:30 pm. The next game, which is my personal favorite, was Scrabble. The Hubs reluctantly played, as it is not his favorite, but suddenly was semi-interested when he started sipping on a glass of Arak - a Middle Eastern licorice liquor...then stuff got really interesting, because he gave a glass to my dad. Now, that's fun Scrabble. Basically, any board game + alcohol= fun.

Back to the dip...

I came up with this dip because I was feeling very creative and weirdly moved to use the can of artichokes in my pantry. It was a strange compulsion. I MUST use these artichokes. So I did and the result was much better than I expected. So I thought you may enjoy it.

It may not go well with new year's resolutions, unless one of your new year resolutions is to enjoy yourself by eating a fattening, luscious dip - then all I have to say is, "BINGO!"

Artichoke Dip

by Yours Truly, a Foodie House original recipe

1 clove garlic, very thinly sliced (think Goodfellas)
1 sweet onion, diced
2-3 sprigs thyme, minced
1 small sprig rosemary, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper

Caramelize all the above ingredients down slowly for a good 20-30 minutes. Then add:

1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 cup heavy cream

Bring that too a simmer and thicken. Then add

1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup grated Swiss
1 can artichokes, diced
1 tsp. lemon zest (added right at end)

If you like, pour dip into a oven proof dish and top with 1/2 cup panko mixed with 1 tsp. olive oil. Put under a low broiler and toast until golden. We served it with pita chips. Lush.

Happy New Year, Foodies!!!

17 comments:

  1. The title made me laugh out loud!!! Now I want to do "the tootsie roll"! Yeah, I am not big on going out either. Whenever it never turns out too well any!!! So I either sleep in or play on twitter. Man, monopoly is crazy competitive in my family, too. I stay away! Getting lost in an issue of food and wine is always grand.

    The dip sounds great, too! I'v always wanted to try artichoke dip.

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  2. Poor mean banker. =) I'm taking it easy, too...and wish I had this dip!

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  3. Oh my gosh. This sounds so so yummy.
    Are you really trying to ruin my new year's resolutions on the first day?
    Success.
    The other thing about alcohol and games is that poor losers are just part of the fun. :)

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  4. This sounds goooooood! whoa I have one more day to eat rich and fatty. My Mew Year starts Monday. I am gonna make this tomorrow while I sit on my ass for one more day.

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  5. That cheesy dip has kinda lulled me into a hypnotic state. There's just something about the melted cheese! Gorgeous recipe!

    Oh, and your "I must use these artichokes" comment reeeally made me laugh. :D

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  6. Alcohol and scrabble, eh? ooh, I wouldn't do to well at that...

    Wishing you a fabulous new year Lauren! The dip sounds perfect.
    LL

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  7. That sounds heavenly , Lauren. Sounds like you're settling in to the new place. Happy New Year!!

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  8. Welcome back, homie! I love nothing more than a good dip, and would welcome a 100% dip dinner any night of the week. This combination sounds deadly (I'm mostly referring to the two cheeses and cup of cream) and incredibly delicious. Happy New Year, Lauren!

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  9. This dip looks awesome!
    Yeah alcohol+scrabble in my family=questionable words and hauling out the dictionary. hahaha I'm like you and like to avoid the crazies out on NYE

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  10. Board games in our household have turned from Monopoly to Don't Break The Ice with our toddler now of age to play. This dip sounds so delicious. I would have loved to have some for a New Year's snack.

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  11. Sounds like Game night in my family! Haahaaa!
    We are all uber competitive so it almost always gets ugly, real ugly.
    Artichoke Dip is my numero uno fav splurge!

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  12. Happy new year, Lauren! I love artichokes--this dip sounds great. I also enjoy having a low-key New Years Eve. I like the side note on the thinly sliced garlic--and the title of the post. lol, they both made me smile!

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  13. dips are so much fun to eat, and usually fattening! I have to admit scrabble when drinking sounds like a fun way to play!
    Cheers
    Dennis

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  14. Ryan and I are about to play scrabble...and I think that this dip and some alcohol would make our night MUCH more enjoyable. Happy New Year, my dear. I'm so glad that I found you. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.

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  15. haha sounds like dinner at my in-law's house, and when my father in law is the bartender, we can basically count on spending the night. We usually fancy the colored dominos (playing the game "chicken") while playing the oldies and dad's drinks....HIL-arious to say the least.....h:)appy new year bella, best wishes for a wonderful new season of your life and a year of adventure :)

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  16. I'm not a huge dip person but this looks really damn good!

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  17. What a fantastic dip, love your herb choices :)
    Sounds like a wonderful way to spend New Years Eve to me...We watched horror movies, I have to avoid games with my kids as they get together and plot cheating on me :)
    Wishing you and your wonderful family a wonderful 2011!

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