Claire's Hot Spinach Artichoke and Jalapeno Dip - 15th Annual Christmas Party 2009 Menu

Thank Goodness for my amaaazing sister Claire!!  No, seriously. She flew down here and arrived the same day we got back in town to help me.  This year, the plan was to try to cut back some after Thanksgiving, all the traveling, wedding, Christmas lighting, etc.  It really didn't work out that way, but we had a blast, probably one of the best ever.  I think all but a very few attended, over 80 people in the house that evening.  Usually, I have my menu planned by the end of October.  Not so this year.  We got back from Hawaii on Wednesday (in a jet lag coma), planned menu and shopped on Thursday, cooked all day Friday and most of Saturday, for the party Saturday night.  Mom was an angel and did her "usual".  Beautiful sweets and treats that after this many years people head for that table looking for their favorites.  I will get her recipes for a later blog.  Delicious!

Here was the appetizer menu:

Claire's Hot Artichoke and Jalapeno Dip, served with crackers
Fabulous, the only dip like this I have ever had that wasn't swimming in oil
Vernell's Apricots stuffed with Almonds and wrapped in Bacon, served with Plum/Cherry Sauce
I never seem to make enough of these, they disappear fast!
Mushroom stuffed Phyllo Cups
My favorite, mushrooms should be their own food group
Mom's Olive, Pecan and Jalapeno Cheese Ball, served with crackers
Sounds like a strange combination, but out of this world!
Risotto Balls with Mushrooms, Pancetta and Parmesan with Marinara Sauce
Lotta work in a large quantity but scrumptious
Meatballs with Cranberry Chili Sauce
So easy, it almost makes up for the Risotto Balls
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella
Many requests for this recipe, super easy

Parmesan Twist

These vanished quickly and were lots of fun to make

Chicken and Jalapeno Sausage Gumbo with Okra, served over rice

15 year long tradition and always a hit

Candied Jalapenos over cream cheese, served with crackers

My one and only make ahead item, disappeared before my eyes

Keg of Shiner Bock, Red Wine, White Wine and Coffee

So I don't overwhelm everyone, I'll give you these recipes is separate posts.  I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful and fun filled holiday season.

Claire's Hot Artichoke and Jalapeno Dip, served with crackers

4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 Cup mayonnaise
2 (4.5 ounce) cans chopped green chiles, drained (I use equivalent amount of Hatch chiles if I have them on hand)
2 Cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained very well and chopped
1/2 Cup jarred chopped jalepano peppers, drained
2 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained very well (I use my potato ricer to squeeze the moisture out)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl until smooth.  Stir in the green chiles, Parmesan cheese, artichokes peppers, jalapenos, and spinach.  Spoon the mixture into a baking dish.
bake uncovered until slightly browned, about 30 minutes.  Recipe can easily be halved, but why?

Merry Christmas - LeslieMichele