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