Holiday entertaining

It’s that time of year. Its the holiday season and entertaining is ongoing from the end of October to the beginning of the New year. Just in case you were already over-using your go-to wine and cheese board (guilty!), I wanted to share some of my other favorite entertaining recipes.

First up, Spinach Artichoke Dip. The first time I had this incredibly delicious dip was about 10 years ago (where does time go?!?) when we were living in California. My friend Colby made it for our annual Christmas party and I think I spent most of the night at that appetizer table. It was THAT good. It’s one of those recipes everyone asks for after the first bite. [Bonus] It’s so easy to make. Just don’t expect it to be diet worthy…

The Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe (with pictures)

All the ingredients ready to go!

Time to wilt the spinach!

Add that spinach

Ready to Bake and eat!

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

• (3) 8oz Cream Cheese (Room Temp)
• 4 oz Sour Cream
• 1 1/2 Table Spoons Mayo
• 5 Cloves Garlic
• 1/4 Parmasean Cheese
• 4 Cups Wilted Spinach (Wilt in the microwave)
• 10 oz Artichokes (Chopped)
• 8 oz Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese

Serve with:

• French Bread
• Assorted Veggies

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350

Mix all ingredients (except spinach) together in a bowl using a mixer.

Wilt spinach in Microwave. Combine with cream cheese mixture using a spatula.

Transfer to an oven safe dish.

Bake for 30 minutes or until slightly brown on top.

Devour immediately with bread and veggies.

 

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And Because… Who Doesn’t Love a Good Holiday Cocktail?

Champaign Cranberry Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Here’s my holiday twist on a Cranberry Vodka. It’s refreshing, bubbly and puts you in the holiday season before your glass is even empty. Really though, be careful!

Champaign Cranberry Vodka Recipe 

• 1 1/2 Cups Cranberry Juice
• 1 1/2 Cups Lemonade
• 1 Cup Vodka
• 1 Cup Ginger Ale
• Half a bottle of Champaign (Keep the rest, you will float the top of each cocktail)

Garnish

• Whole Cranberries (Frozen overnight)
• Mint or Rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

Pour all ingredients into a pitcher, mix well.

Add Frozen Cranberries and Sprig of Rosemary or Mint. It’s best if you make this the night before.

Serve in a copper mug over ice or in a Martini Glass with a mint leaf.

Top with Champaign and enjoy!