spinach, artichoke, and crab dip

1 8oz block of cream cheese
1/2 C. sour cream
1/2 C. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
zest and juice of 1 lemon (save a sprinkle of zest to go on top)
salt and pepper to taste
1 10 oz. pkg of frozen, chopped spinach (thawed and drained very well)
1 14 oz. can artichoke hearts in water (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
4-6 green onions, sliced thin (greens and whites, about 1/2 C.)
1 8 oz. can water chestnuts (chopped)
1 C. shredded parmesan, romano, asiago cheese blend (save a sprinkle for the top)
1 8 oz. tub fresh crab, picked clean of shells (claw meat is fine for this, lump is extra special but not necessary in this dip)

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. prepare 2 QT casserole with cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper.
4. Add spinach, artichokes, green onions, and water chestnuts.
5. Mix well.
6. Stir in cheese.
7. Carefully fold in crab, so as not to break up the meat too much.
8. Pour into prepared casserole.
9. top with reserved zest and cheese.
10. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes, or until dip is bubbly and golden brown.

I Know that most people are going to say what this sounds odd but it is really tasty.  Last night my hubby and I were thinking of something to do for dinner and came up with this idea.  Use leftovers from when you make beef and salsa burritos and instead of tortillas use a pizza crust.  The pizza crust can be your choice of homemade or frozen whichever is easier for you

Ingredients

1 pizza crust

1 pkg of mexican style shredded cheese

leftover beef and salsa mixture

prepare your pizza crust and top with the beef and salsa mixture and cheese.  Place in a 425 oven for 15 minutes or until done time may vary with your oven.  Let cool for a few minutes and then slice and serve.

About 14 years ago my husband and I discovered a recipe for beef and Salsa burritos.   I always tweak a recipe to mine and my husbands taste.  One day when I did not have enough ground beef I decided that I would try it with half ground beef and half sausage.   It turned out to be a good idea as it is one of my hubby’s favorite dishes.    Below is my version.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1/2 lb hot sausage

1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, well-drained
1 cup prepared chunky salsa
3/4 cup shredded Mexican four cheese blend
8 medium flour tortillas,warmed

Directions:

In a large non-stick skillet, brown ground beef  and sausage over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings. Season beef with chili powder,and cumin,  Stir in spinach and salsa; heat through. Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
To serve, spoon 1/2 cup beef mixture in center of each tortilla. Fold bottom edge up over filling; fold sides to center, overlapping edges.

Makes 8 burritos.

I know it has been awhile since I posted a recipe.  I am always on the lookout for easy salmon recipes.  It does not get any easier than this one. I discovered this one a few months ago in one of my many cooking magazines.  In fact I am making it for dinner tonight.  I have modified the recipe to mine and my hubby’s taste.   I season the fish with a salt free garlic herb seasoning before broiling and I use garlic herb feta in place of the plain feta cheese.  Still makes for a tasty recipe.