Game Day Munchies - Part 1

     Hello!  It's Recipe Tuesday and in case you haven't heard the Patriot's are on their way to the Super Bowl (woo hoo!).  Since we're HUGE Pats fans there's no doubt that Aaron and I will be parked in front of the TV this Sunday watching the big game.  And since I don't want to be tied up in the kitchen baking during this time, I found several recipes that are great for game-time munchies but can be prepared ahead of time and thrown in the oven when needed.

     Spinach & Artichoke Dip came from my well-used All the Best Pampered Chef recipe book.  It's a dish that's best served warm, although I'll warn you - it's so good it won't last long!

Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip

• 1 jar (16oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 pkg (9-11 oz) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 small garlic clove, pressed
• 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• Diced red pepper (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375.  Coarsely chop artichokes, place in large bowl.  Add spinach, mayo and sour cream

2. Press garlic into bowl, add cheese and mix well.  Spoon into oven safe baking dish (I love the small oval baker from Pampered Chef)

3. Bake 25-30 minutes or until heated through.  Garnish with red pepper and serve with baked pita chips (recipe below).  Enjoy!

Bake Pita Chips

• 6 whole pita pocket bread rounds

1. Preheat oven to 400.  Split each pita pocket in half horizontally; cut each round into 8 wedges.  Arrange pita wedges on baking sheet.

2. Bake 8-10 minutes or until chips are lightly browned and crisp.  Remove from baking sheet; cool completely.  Repeat with remaining wedges.