Nature called during the night sometime last week. It’s not surprising considering I usually drink a full glass of milk or seltzer water before bed, you know, to wash down that little piece (or two) of chocolate that I just have to have . I got up, reluctant to hit the pause button on whatever dream I was having. I made my way to the bathroom in the dark, eyes half-closed. I’ve taken this trip countless times over the last 13 years. It’s not a straight shot to the bathroom, a few turns I must make, so usually I have my hands in front of me to lead the way. My feet have memorized the steps, too…or so I thought.
Unfortunately, on this particular night eyes, hands and feet failed me. I rounded the corner past the shower too soon and my face smacked the limestone wall and not gently either. A loud cry escaped from my lips, banishing all sleepiness away. My eyes must have been wide open by this time judging by all the stars I saw. As I walked down the hallway to the kitchen, lights on this time, I tried to figure out which part of my face made contact with the wall first but the slight tingling sensation made it difficult to isolate the mark.
I walked back to the bedroom with an ice pack and sat in bed for a half hour icing, by then, the defined contact point, my right brow bone. Eventually, I drifted back to sleep but I did wonder if my right eye would be black and blue in the morning (thankfully, it wasn’t!).
This cheese spread has nothing at all to do with my middle-of-the-night mishap except that you can prepare this with your eyes closed and it would still turn out wonderfully.
My artichoke obsession continues and I came up with this cheesy snack to recreate the spread I picked up in Pescadero last week. I would actually go so far as to say that my version might be even better. If you like chunky, cheesy artichoke dips this spread might win you over (I did use frozen artichoke hearts instead of fresh ones for this).
Puréed artichokes are combined with softened cream cheese, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, olive oil and paprika and I stirred in more artichoke chunks and crumbled sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese is bold here though the spread is alive with artichoke flavor. It’s not too spicy from the chipotle peppers but it adds a nice smoky touch.
I served the spread with Wasa crispbread and sliced cucumbers to balance everything out. I’m just a little disappointed that these pictures don’t quite do this spread justice but trust me when I say you’ll be happy if you try it.
Artichoke, Cheddar, Chipotle Spread
Ingredients
- 1 8- ounce package cream cheese softened
- 1 8- ounce package frozen artichoke hearts defrosted and divided, drained of liquid
- 2.5 ounces sharp cheddar crumbled in the food processor
- 2 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic clove of one garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
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I used my mini food processor for this--it should work just fine in a regular one.
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Divide the defrosted artichoke hearts in equal portions. After squeezing the liquid out of my artichokes, I yielded 6 ounces. Divide in two. Process one half portion of the artichokes in the processor until you have small chunks. Remove from bowl and set aside. Next add the cheddar and crumble until you have small chunks. Remove from bowl and set aside.
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You don't have to rinse the processor bowl between steps. Next, add the cream cheese, the other half of the artichokes, peppers, salt, lime juice, paprika, garlic and olive oil and process until smooth. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Stir in the crumbled cheddar and artichoke hearts. Serve with crackers and/or cucumber slices.
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
Jean – this dip looks amazing! It is exactly as you described at lunch yesterday. I can completely see why add the cucumber made it extra special. Great to see you and your hubby yesterday. Hopefully your flight home yesterday was easy . It was quite toasty until we got to 5,500 feet. Hope you are having a brilliant Sunday!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Yikes, that does not sound like a fun middle-of-the-night experience! Love how easy this dip is, and the flavors are perfect!
Rosa says
That sperad sounds amazing! What a tasty combination. that artichoke picture is so pretty.
Cheers,
Rosa
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I’m sorry about the night incident, but I’m sure this delicious dip would have easily compensate for that 🙂
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oh no! Ouch! Glad you are ok, Jean. This dip sounds soooo goooood! Love the artichokes photo!
Valerie says
Ouch! What an unpleasant dream disruption. If only we had cat-like night vision. 🙂
This spread contains just about everything I love (even the lime juice!). Looks delish!
RavieNomNoms says
This look SO delicious! I love everything about it. How creative, totally making this soon!
Judy | Bebe Love Okazu says
Hi Jean, Thanks for popping in last week. Or maybe it was the week prior – memory fails me these days given I haven’t been blogging as regularly as I’d like. 😉 I’m glad your eye is OK! Love combo of artichokes and cheese and I bet this would taste great with a few veggie sticks too! Happy to still be connected. 🙂 Enjoy your week!
Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily says
OUCH!!! I did something like that not to long ago, a cabinet door jumped out at me from nowhere. 😉 I was black & blue! 🙁
I have a major artichoke obsession too. Love this. Thx!
Kate@Diethood says
OUCHY!!! So sorry that happened 🙁 … on the bright side, at least you’re not bruised! 🙂
This artichoke spread looks so creamy and delicious! I am also dealing with an artichoke obsession… 🙂
Jen Laceda @ Tartine and Apron Strings says
Oh no! Hope that wall smash didn’t do too much damage…to the wall, that is! Just kidding, Jean!!!
I love rich, flavourful dips like this! Classic artichoke with cheese is irresistible, especially with spicy chipotle! Ooh-la-la!
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
Ouch! You poor baby. Well at least you had this yummy spread to help you forget about the pain. Your photos are lovely, don’t be so hard on yourself.:) Thanks for sharing Jean.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
What an unpleasant middle of the night experience. I’m happy you’re okay!
And interesting spread! I have to say it again, but I really love that second picture. Gorgeous!
Katie says
Last week at work I answered the phone only to clock myself in the eye with the receiver! It hurt so bad! I thought I was going to have a black eye…but I didn’t. Gorgeous pictures! I am always on the fence with artichokes, but I am going to try this recipe…
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This spread sounds perfect. The picture of the artichokes is stunning; nature is absolutely gorgeous. I love the artichoke tea towel and spreader–nice touch!
Sarah @ SimplyScrumptiousBySarah says
This spread looks really yummy! I love that you use wasa crackers and cucumbers to serve them! I do this with Tuna salad all the time! yummy! 🙂