Artichoke Hearts Attack
Artichoke hearts are readily available in cans and jars in many countries, and are increasingly used in the making of snack dips. Many national chain restaurants in the USA have some variety of artichoke dip, which is usually mayonnaise-based. One of the easiest, yet unhealthy, variations on the creamy artichoke dip is jokingly called the Artichoke Hearts Attack, owing to the amount of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese it contains.
As an “equal parts” recipe, (with 3 simple parts), it is especially amenable to whipping up at the last minute for a party, and as it is primarily a base to which other ingredients are added, it is popular among those who like to add something distinctive.
Ingredients
Equal parts:
* artichoke hearts, chopped or squeezed
* mayonnaise
* Parmesan or Romano cheese
Procedure
Just mix them up, that’s it.
Notes, tips, and variations
There are many who increase the amount of artichokes used, for health-conscious reasons. There are also versions that replace the mayonnaise with soft tofu.
Various items that are often added to the base artichoke dip, (to taste):
* salt and pepper
* chopped scallions, (green onions)
* dill weed
* finely chopped olives, (often with pimento)
* chopped tomatoes are an especially common addition
* any number of very finely chopped vegetables, sometimes pre-cooked but raw is fine
* chopped spinach, cooked
* ½ cup sour cream
* ½ cup cream cheese
* minced garlic
* small can chopped green chilis
* Dijon mustard (teaspoon or tablespoon to taste)
Serving
At room temperature, it is perfect for the savory dipping of vegetables, potato chips, and all other common party snacks. It becomes even better, however, as a warmed-up dip. Simply place it into a small, shallow, heat-resistant dish and broil it for just a little while, until the top turns slightly tan. It can also work well as a continuously warmed dip in a fondue pot, although it does need to be stirred every once in a while to prevent burning.
Another interesting use, for those who are definitely not counting calories, is as the base for a sandwich. Spread the dip onto a good Italian roll, then broil it. When the dip turns a nice tan color, take it out of the broiler and finish the sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
Five-Spice Appetizer Meatballs
1 egg white — slightly beaten
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3 tablespoons honey
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 medium red sweet pepper — cut in 1″ pieces
In a large bowl combine egg white, bread crumbs, five-sp[ice powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add beef; mix well. Shape into fourty-eight 1-inch meatballs. lace in a 15×10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until no pink remains in center of meatballs. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan stir together orange juice, honey, cornstarch, soy sauce and ginger. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Add sweet pepper and meatballs to saucepan; cook and stir until heated through. Keep warm in a fondue pot or chafing dish. Serve with toothpicks.
Makes 48 appetizer-size meatballs.