Creamy Spinach Dip
New Years Eve is tomorrow- while most people are preparing for their parties, or getting ready to attend parties- us gluten intolerant, celiacs and gluten free have to worry if there is anything we can at at the upcoming celebrations. It sounds simple enough - food- but we all know that it can be a big pain.
If you are hosting the party, or are going to the party- you need to make sure there is something you can eat. I've gone to several parties over the years and just politely said "no thank you" to everything that has been offered, because quite honestly it's easier than explaining why I can't eat it, or worse yet why it doesn't work if you just take the bread off. I don't want to go into the un-pleasantries of explaining celiacs, what it can do to my body or hear one more person say "OH I would DIE if I couldn't eat bread"- they really don't appreciate when I come back with "Well I WILL die if I eat bread". So instead I bite my tongue, politely decline any food and make sure I have food plans for before or after the get-together.
But the question is why should we have to do this at all? Even if your host doesn't ask you to- bring something you can eat. Something quick, good to eat and that others wont have a clue is gluten free or not. Bring two serving dishes- a smaller one for yourself (and your family if needed) and a larger one for the party. This prevents yours from being cross contaminated. It may make a few people raise their eye brows but it's better than getting sick.
A really great recipe to bring along with you Spinach Dip. It's a staple at parties and is a hit at restaurants and other venues. My recipes for Spinach Dip I made over 10 years ago, long before I cut gluten out of my diet - actually I think it was the same year I first heard about celiacs through a news article. My best friend at the time and I were constantly going out to eat- and we'd always order Spinach Dip as an appetizer. I was getting sick of recipes that used Mayonnaise and weren't properly cooked, paying $8 for a small serving, and having to pick out the artichokes.
It was about the same time that I was hosting my weekly "Taco Tuesday Night"- a dinner that started on a Tuesday with Tacos- and shortly morphed into weekly dinners on any day with anything for dinner. The name stuck, just everything else changed. I was hosting New Years at my new apartment that year and wanted a nice spread that we could eat while were playing games, drinking and listening to music. I decided I must have Spinach Dip that year for the party.
I searched for recipes, all having mayonnaise, artichokes and other ingredients I didn't want or didn't think it needed- finally I took the main parts and made my own. I created a recipe that has 5 basic ingredients, can be made quickly, can be added to and adapted, and best of all was delicious.
This Spinach Dip recipe I take to family parties each year and it is quickly gobbled up (even by those who claim to hate spinach!). I'm asked repeatedly for the recipe and have given it out over the years.
So if you are going out this year- consider taking this Spinach Dip recipe! I have three variations included if you decide to purchase the recipe later- but for now, start the New Years with a yummy Spinach Dip!
If you are hosting the party, or are going to the party- you need to make sure there is something you can eat. I've gone to several parties over the years and just politely said "no thank you" to everything that has been offered, because quite honestly it's easier than explaining why I can't eat it, or worse yet why it doesn't work if you just take the bread off. I don't want to go into the un-pleasantries of explaining celiacs, what it can do to my body or hear one more person say "OH I would DIE if I couldn't eat bread"- they really don't appreciate when I come back with "Well I WILL die if I eat bread". So instead I bite my tongue, politely decline any food and make sure I have food plans for before or after the get-together.
But the question is why should we have to do this at all? Even if your host doesn't ask you to- bring something you can eat. Something quick, good to eat and that others wont have a clue is gluten free or not. Bring two serving dishes- a smaller one for yourself (and your family if needed) and a larger one for the party. This prevents yours from being cross contaminated. It may make a few people raise their eye brows but it's better than getting sick.
A really great recipe to bring along with you Spinach Dip. It's a staple at parties and is a hit at restaurants and other venues. My recipes for Spinach Dip I made over 10 years ago, long before I cut gluten out of my diet - actually I think it was the same year I first heard about celiacs through a news article. My best friend at the time and I were constantly going out to eat- and we'd always order Spinach Dip as an appetizer. I was getting sick of recipes that used Mayonnaise and weren't properly cooked, paying $8 for a small serving, and having to pick out the artichokes.
It was about the same time that I was hosting my weekly "Taco Tuesday Night"- a dinner that started on a Tuesday with Tacos- and shortly morphed into weekly dinners on any day with anything for dinner. The name stuck, just everything else changed. I was hosting New Years at my new apartment that year and wanted a nice spread that we could eat while were playing games, drinking and listening to music. I decided I must have Spinach Dip that year for the party.
I searched for recipes, all having mayonnaise, artichokes and other ingredients I didn't want or didn't think it needed- finally I took the main parts and made my own. I created a recipe that has 5 basic ingredients, can be made quickly, can be added to and adapted, and best of all was delicious.
This Spinach Dip recipe I take to family parties each year and it is quickly gobbled up (even by those who claim to hate spinach!). I'm asked repeatedly for the recipe and have given it out over the years.
So if you are going out this year- consider taking this Spinach Dip recipe! I have three variations included if you decide to purchase the recipe later- but for now, start the New Years with a yummy Spinach Dip!
Creamy Spinach Dip
Ingredients
8 oz Cream Cheese
8 oz Mozzarella Cheese
8 oz Chopped Spinach (fresh or thawed)
1 Large Yellow Onion
3 Roma Tomatoes
Directions
- Chop onion and tomatoes and place in a medium sized microwave safe bowl.
- shred the mozzarella cheese and add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
- Add the spinach and cream cheese to the bowl and give it a quick mix.
- Place the bowl in the microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the microwave (careful it will be hot) and mix together. If the cheese and cream cheese aren't completely melted continue to microwave on high in 1 minute increments until you are able to mix it together smoothly.
This dip is quick and easy to make, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Try it on corn chips, with fresh gluten free bread or even as a pizza topping.
The Creamy Spinach Dip Recipe with tips and variations can be found in Starters.
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