| I love to eat out, especially at the | | | | 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese |
| Olive Garden. Their recipes are perfect | | | | 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes |
| for any appetite, big or small. | | | | 1/4 teaspoon salt |
| Unfortunately for me, I can't afford to | | | | 1/8 teaspoon garlic powderdash ground |
| go there as often as I would like. I | | | | peppercrackers, toasted bread, or |
| decided that there had to be some way | | | | tortilla chips |
| for me to eat the food I love at a | | | | 1. Simmer the spinach and artichoke |
| fraction of the cost. Luckily there is | | | | hearts in 1 cup water in a small |
| just that and I'll prove it! | | | | saucepan over medium heat until tender, |
| When I go out to dinner, I always want | | | | about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander |
| to get an appetizer, but the cost keeps | | | | when done. |
| me from getting it. When I'm making | | | | 2. Heat cream cheese in a small bowl in |
| meals from home, I make sure to give | | | | the microwave on high for about 1 |
| myself the appetizer that I'm always | | | | minute. Or, use a saucepan to heat the |
| craving. One of my favorite Olive Garden | | | | cheese over medium heat until hot. |
| recipes is their hot artichoke spinach | | | | 3. Add spinach and artichoke hearts to |
| dip. The recipe goes a little something | | | | cream cheese and stir well. |
| like this: | | | | 4. Stir in the Parmesan, pepper flakes, |
| Ingredients | | | | salt, garlic powder and ground pepper, |
| 1/2 cup chopped spinach | | | | mixing thoroughly. Serve hot with |
| 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts | | | | crackers, toasted bread, or tortilla |
| 8 ounces cream cheese | | | | chips. |