Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip

One of my favorite foods is artichoke.  You just can't go wrong.  There are a lot of spins on a spinach and artichoke dip but this is by far my favorite.  I've realized that I like spicy food and I love the kick that the red pepper brings to this dish.  It is delicious served hot or cold.

This comes from a good friend back home in Charleston!

Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip

2 cans Artichoke hearts chopped
10 oz Frozen Chopped Spinach
16 oz Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper ground

Drain and chop the artichoke hearts.  Boil the artichoke hearts and spinach in a small saucepan over medium heat until tender (around 10 minutes).  Drain.  You'll want to push all the water out of the mixture since the spinach especially tends to hold extra water.

Pour the mixture over the cream cheese and mix in the rest of the ingredients.  Combine well.

Serve with crackers or crusty bread.  You'll need a knife to spread the dip on bread because it is thick.  But it is oh-so-yummy!!

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!!