Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

One of our philosophies as we get more and more comfortable with the SCD, is that we will find a way to enjoy the same foods we loved before beginning the diet while having fun experimenting with delicious foods we never thought of trying before.

Because we refuse to feel deprived, we took on the task of reinventing our favorite Spinach Artichoke Dip.  This dip was always a staple at any family function or pot luck supper at church.  I always made a large crock pot full and we would eat on it for a week if there was any left.

I would love to take credit for this recipe but I have to say it is actually Jacob's creation.  Being on SCD has developed a talent in him of just knowing what would taste good together and also how to just grab ingredients and create something wonderful. Well here is one of those creations:

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

16 oz block Munster Cheese freshly grated
16 oz  block Havarti Cheese freshly grated (you may only find this in 8oz blocks)
8oz Ramano Cheese freshly grated
Juice of two lemons
1 cup frozen Spinach drain all water
**3 Cans Progresso Artichoke Hearts drained and pulsed in food processor
1-2 Tbs minced fresh Garlic
Small container onion tops
1 stick real butter
1-1/2 tsp dried ground Mustard

Begin by sauteing garlic, onion tops, lemon juice, and dry mustard in the butter on a low setting till tops are cooked.  Grate cheeses and add to a crock pot. Add artichoke hearts and spinach.  Then add cooked onion butter mix and stir together thoroughly.   Cover and let cook medium to keep the cheese on the bottom from getting set and browned before you stir it.  Make sure to stir occasionally to separate cheese.  The dip is finished when all cheese is melted and dip is hot all the way through. This recipe also doubles well.

**Just a note.  We have not experienced any problems with the Progresso Artichoke Hearts. Remember that SCD doesn't condone using items that are in a can.  Please proceed with caution.  I would look and see if the stores in your area carry Frozen Artichokes.  If not,  I would have symptoms well under control before trying this.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.  We usually don't make any thing to go with it.  But I am sure it would be great on SCD crackers.  Later, I will post some other recipes we make which include this  dip.

 I hope you enjoy Jacob's Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip as much as we do.  Maybe it will end up on your Easter Menu this year!!!!

Butternut Squash

We love Butternut Squash.  Just about any way you can cook it.  Baked, fried, mashed, smothered.  It is one of our favorite treats.  The problem with butternut squash is that it is so hard to peel and cut.  One can achieve quite a nice workout and also consume quite a bit of time trying to prepare one.  So unless you are just looking for a way to change up your workout routine or waste those moments of free time that just seem to be piling up, I might suggest an easier way to enjoy some tasty Butternut Squash recipes.

This is a brand of fresh vegetables called Marketside from Wal-Mart.  They carry several different kinds of vegetables including green beans, snow peas, and broccoli.  I was so excited to find butternut squash already peeled and cut and ready to cook.

There are very few prepackaged items that are safe for eating on the SCD.  I called this company and asked if any thing was added to the Butternut squash before packaging it.  I was assured that all Marketside fresh vegetables contain nothing but the vegetable.  We have tried them with great success.  But I would be cautious especially if you are still experiencing symptoms.

Lately, we have been frying the squash to have sort of a french fry to eat with sandwiches or hamburger.   We usually season the squash,after it is cooked,  with a mixture of salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic powder. The squash is also good smothered down with olive oil, salt, pepper, and onions.  Saute' all this together slowly till squash are tender and onions are soft.

I also suggest you check out http://nomorecrohns.com.  The No More Crohns site.  They have a Butternut Squash Pecan Pie and a recipe for candied squash.  Both these recipes are so delicious.  Their site is filled with wonderful recipes that will quickly become favorites.

Go grab a bag of butternut squash and experiment with it but make sure you pass you ideas on to me!!!