Making Mama's Kitchen: Football Food Makeover # 2: Spinach Artichoke Dip

This weekend we took Annalyn to her first Butler football game. Before the game we stopped by the book store in Atherton to get her a new Bulldog shirt before homecoming since she's outgrown all of hers. And, of course, we stopped by the bulldog statue to take a couple pictures. Michael and I always love going back to Butler and it was fun to share that joy with our daughter.

In honor of Peanut's first football game, here's another football food makeover recipe:

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

(made over version)

-cooking spray

-1/2 pound fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried (can also use frozen)

-1 can artichoke hearts, without oil, drained

-3 cloves minced garlic (heaping spoonful of minced)

-1/2 medium onion, quartered

-1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes

-1/2 t. smoked paprika

-1/2 t. cayenne pepper

-1 t. salt

-1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

-1/2 c. non-fat Greek yogurt

-4 oz. low fat cream cheese, at room temperature

(original recipe)

-1 c. mayo

-1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

-14 oz. artichoke hearts, drained

-9 oz. frozen spinach, thawed

-1 red bell pepper

-1/4 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

-1 t. paprika

-1/2 t. cayenne pepper

WW points comparison: (makes 12 servings 1/4 c. each or 6 servings 1/2 c. each)

-original is 6 points per 1/4 c. or 11 pts per 1/2 c. serving

-makeover version is only 1 point per 1/4 c. or 3 pts. per 1/2 c. serving!

**point values do not include chips.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a casserole dish or square glass pan with cooking spray. Place all ingredients except spinach in a food processor and process until smooth.

2. Add spinach and continue to blend. (This makes a very creamy dip. If you prefer a chunkier dip, chop the spinach and artichokes instead of blending.)

3. Pour into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with paprika and parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes.

4. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, the dip will set as it cools. Serve with crackers or chips.

5. Another serving suggestion: Spread spinach dip on flatbread, top with sliced tomatoes and feta cheese, sprinkle with grated parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Makes a great appetizer!