Spinach Artichoke Dip

I can't remember when I first ate at the Olive Garden, an Italian-American restaurant chain.  One of my favorite appetizers is the Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip. In preparing for this post, I came across a recipe site sponsored by Olive Garden, where the recipe for artichoke spinach dip is available.

The recipe below came from a book, which I have now lost, that is supposed to replicate Olive Garden's artichoke-spinach dip.  Whether it does or does not, the dip is delicious and I have made it numerous times for parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients
1/2 10oz box frozen chopped spinach¹
1 6oz. jar quartered artichoke hearts²
1 8oz package cream cheese³
1/2C grated Parmesan cheese
1T chopped parsley
1t garlic powder
1/4t salt
1/4t thyme
1/4t onion powder
1/4t crushed basil leaves, dried

Directions
Place the spinach in a small pan and add water to cover.  Using your fingers, mash the layers of the artichoke hearts to separate them and add the hearts to the spinach.  Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for five minutes.  While the spinach/artichoke mixture is cooking, place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl.  Using a strainer, drain the water from the spinach/artichoke mixture.  You may need to use a wooden spoon to press on the mixture to squeeze out excess water.  Transfer the vegetable mixture to the mixing bowl.  The heat from the hot vegetables will soften the cream cheese.  Stir to thoroughly combine the vegetables and cream cheese.  Add the Parmesan cheese and spices.  Combine thoroughly.

Serve immediately with crackers, thinly sliced French baguette, or use the pizza dough recipe to create bread sticks (bake the rolled-out dough for 10 minutes at 375 degrees then slice into strips). 

If you make this dip ahead of time, you can reheat it in the oven for 15-25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Of course, be sure to use an oven safe dish.

This dip also works well as a sandwich spread (ideal for party sandwiches).

¹You can substitute 2-3C of chopped fresh spinach.
²You need about 1C of quartered artichoke hearts, which is approximately three hearts, quartered.
³~or~ a cream cheese substitute.