Pecan-crusted Artichoke Spread

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened (neufchatel)
• 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise, dressing or 1/2 cup salad dressing
• 2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese (8 oz.)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (2 oz.)
• 2 dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• french baguette, sliced and toasted

Recipe

• 1 preheat oven to 350 degree.
• 2 in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. add onion and garlic; cook for 3 minutes.
• 3 add spinach; cook for 3 to 5 minutes more or until onion is tender and spinach is cooked, stirring frequently.
• 4 remove from heat.
• 5 stir in chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise dressing, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and hot pepper sauce.
• 6 transfer to an ungreased 1-1/2-quart casserole.
• 7 bake for 40 minutes.
• 8 top with pecans; bake for 10 minutes more.
• 9 serve with toasted bread slices.