My New Year's Resolution

Thoughtful Thursday

Hot Artichoke Dip

Is there anything better than dipping a slice of French bread into a bubbling, cheesy, gooey artichoke dip? Probably, but this stuff is pretty doggone good! 

I got this recipe over 20 years ago from a good friend and it's been a staple around the holidays for my family since. Such a simple recipe, but one that makes family and friends come back for more.

HOT ARTICHOKE DIP

3 cans artichokes cut up

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

5 cloves of garlic, crushed

Preheat oven to 350º.

Combine all ingredients and put in 9”x9” casserole.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Serve with cut up French bread.

A Christmas Tradition

We always have a big spread for Christmas morning: gorilla bread, lefse, and smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese. I always smoke the salmon myself using our stove top smoker. It's so easy, and so stinkin' good!

If you'd like to try it yourself, here's the recipe. Just follow the instructions according to the smoker you are using.

SMOKED SALMON

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup kosher salt

1/3 cup soy sauce

5 1/3 cups water

2 pounds salmon

Mix first four ingredients.  Add salmon; make sure it’s submerged in liquid.

Marinate 6 to 8 hours.  Smoke until dry.

If using stovetop smoker, ½ hour on stove top, then 1 hour in oven at 250º.