How to Make Out-of-This-World Dip

If you want a simple appetizer that will leave a great impression on your guests, make this amazing dip recipe. It's so easy to whip up, the kids can help! The dip contains something for everyone: spinach, Parmesan cheese, water chestnuts and artichoke hearts -- all in a flavorful, creamy base. Not only is it delicious, but it also can easily be made into a low-fat version that's full of flavor just by changing a few ingredients.

To give the dip a festive presentation, you can serve it in a bowl made out of a hollowed-out purple cabbage. You also can scoop out the center of a loaf of sourdough bread, put in the dip, cover it with cheese and brown it in the oven to create a welcoming appetizer your guests will want to devour.

Ingredients

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise (Use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise to make a low-fat version of the dip.)

1 10-oz. package of frozen chopped spinach

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 small can water chestnuts

1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 cup dried onions (optional)

Fresh bacon bits (optional)

Steps

1. Defrost the spinach and squeeze as much of the water out of it as you can.

2. Combine the mayonnaise and sour cream in a large mixing bowl and mix until smooth.

3. Drain the water chestnuts and artichoke hearts and chop them into approximately one-quarter-inch pieces.

4. Add artichoke hearts, water chestnuts, spinach, garlic powder and salt to the mayonnaise/sour cream mixture and mix well.

5. Add dried onions and/or bacon bits if you desire, and stir to incorporate.

6. Serve with bread cubes, crackers and/or vegetables.

To make a cabbage bowl:

1. Peel off any wilted leaves from the outside of a purple cabbage.

2. Trim the bottom of the cabbage so it lies flat and doesn't wobble when placed on a table.

3. Cut off the top of the cabbage and hollow out the center until you have a shell about 1/4" to 1/2" thick.

Note: Don't attempt this unless you have an electric knife or very strong arms. Purple cabbage can be quite thick and difficult to cut.